Former Red Devils striker says Brazilian midfielder “doesn’t excite me” and lacks the quality to take United to the next level
MANCHESTER — Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has delivered a blunt warning to his old club, advising them against pursuing Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães — a player who has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League champions Arsenal this summer.
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, Yorke expressed strong reservations about the Brazilian international’s suitability for a club with Manchester United’s ambitions.
“I don’t know about Bruno Guimarães. I am not sure he has been that impressive,” Yorke said. “I watched him play for Brazil at the World Cup, and he has not convinced me”.
‘A Good Work Ethic Is Not Enough’
While Yorke acknowledged Guimarães’s qualities at Newcastle, he questioned whether they were sufficient for a player expected to wear the Manchester United shirt.
“I think he is good. He has shown that at Newcastle United. He has a good work ethic,” Yorke admitted. “But is that what you are paying for when you sign a player to come to Manchester United? A good work ethic?”
The former Red Devils striker elaborated on his concerns, pointing to what he sees as a lack of game-changing ability.
“Listen, he’s a solid player and maybe he’s good enough to get into a team at the level Manchester United should be at, but is he going to take them to another level?” Yorke asked. “Will Bruno Guimarães put United any closer to the Premier League title?”
“He doesn’t excite me. I’m not seeing him picking up a ball and boom, sending over one of those diagonal passes or cutting defenders apart with one ball. I just don’t see that quality from him,” Yorke added.
World Cup Performance ‘Worried’ Yorke
Yorke pointed to Guimarães’s performances for Brazil at the recent World Cup as a particular concern.
“That’s why his performances for Brazil worried me. He was just another solid player in that team. They’re all solid players,” Yorke said. “I’m not saying he’s not a good player, but is that where United are at now? Just buying players because they’re solid?”
“The World Cup was an opportunity for him to tell the world there’s a reason why a team like Manchester United are going to be after me, and he’s come up short, in my opinion,” Yorke concluded.
“Bring me players that are going to make us superior! I am not so sure that is Bruno Guimarães,” he said.
Alternative Recommendation
Yorke suggested an alternative target, naming Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as a preferable option.
“Give me Bouaddi any day of the week ahead of those guys,” Yorke said.
Transfer Context
Guimarães, 28, has been a key figure at Newcastle United since joining from Lyon in 2022, scoring 31 goals in 195 appearances for the Magpies. He has captained the side and is reportedly eager to join Arsenal, with the Gunners having already agreed personal terms with the Brazilian.
Arsenal have submitted an initial £70 million bid for the midfielder, though Newcastle are holding out for a fee in the region of £80-85 million. The Gunners are increasingly confident of securing his signature, with multiple sources telling BBC Sport that a move is expected to materialize this summer.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have already strengthened their midfield this window with the signings of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35 million and Chelsea’s Andrey Santos for £48 million. However, they remain in the market for further reinforcements following Casemiro’s departure as a free agent.
Newcastle in Transition
The uncertainty over Guimarães’s future comes amid a period of significant change at Newcastle. Head coach Eddie Howe stepped down on Thursday after five years in charge, with Matthias Jaissle of Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli expected to be appointed as his successor.
The Magpies have already lost Sandro Tonali to Tottenham and Anthony Gordon to Barcelona this summer, making Guimarães’s potential departure another major blow to a squad undergoing substantial reconstruction.
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