Breaking News: Newcastle president confirmed one Newcastle star is set to join Man United
Predicting what Manchester United will do in the upcoming summer transfer window is anything but straightforward. Uncertainty surrounds several areas at the club, including whether Michael Carrick will remain in charge or if the hierarchy will appoint a new head coach. Alongside the ongoing managerial question, there are clear gaps within the squad that must be addressed, particularly in midfield, where reinforcements appear essential.
Although United have shown some improvement and edged closer to the battle for a top-four finish since Carrick stepped into the role, the club is still dealing with the consequences of several inconsistent seasons. Rebuilding the squad will take time, and the next transfer window is expected to be a busy one at Old Trafford. However, identifying exactly where the club will focus their spending is not easy.
Midfield remains one of the biggest talking points. United have recently been linked with several players in that position, including Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba. Despite those links, there has been little indication about which of the trio the club truly prefers. With the speculation growing, an experiment was carried out using an artificial intelligence model to see if it could predict the club’s biggest signing of the summer based on financial capacity and tactical requirements. The result it produced was quite surprising.
According to the AI’s projection, United’s biggest acquisition would not come from the group of young midfielders they have been associated with. Instead, the system predicted that the club could attempt a huge £120 million move for Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United. Such a deal would smash United’s previous transfer record and immediately become one of the most talked-about moves in English football.
The reasoning behind the prediction is tied to Guimarães’ playing style. The Brazilian is known for his relentless box-to-box energy, aggressive pressing, and ability to influence both defensive and attacking phases. From a tactical perspective, the AI suggested that this profile could be exactly what United require to strengthen their midfield engine. The model also considered the possibility that the club might begin prioritizing experienced, proven players rather than continuing to focus primarily on younger prospects. Still, committing such a huge sum to a 28-year-old would inevitably spark debate about long-term value.
There are also practical reasons why United could end up exploring alternative targets. Anderson has increasingly been linked with a potential move to Manchester City, while Baleba has struggled to replicate the promise he showed earlier in his career after attracting interest from United last summer. Wharton, meanwhile, is expected to draw attention from multiple clubs, which could complicate negotiations. Because of these circumstances, United may need to think creatively when identifying their preferred midfield signing.
The question, however, is whether Guimarães would truly solve the team’s most urgent tactical issues. The answer depends largely on who will be leading the team next season. If Carrick remains in charge, his system has often relied on a structure where Kobbie Mainoo operates in a more progressive role, moving between the lines and linking play, while a deeper-lying defensive midfielder anchors the team. That responsibility has typically fallen to Casemiro, whose future at the club has become uncertain.
Replacing Casemiro may therefore be the more urgent priority rather than adding another box-to-box presence. Players like Guimarães or Wharton would naturally fit a role closer to Mainoo’s current position rather than the dedicated defensive shield that Carrick’s setup often requires. A different manager could adopt an alternative system, such as a double-pivot midfield, which might suit Guimarães perfectly, but that tactical change has not yet happened.
Of course, even if Carrick stays, he could decide to adjust his approach if new players arrive. Managers frequently reshape their systems around key signings, particularly when high-profile transfers are involved. For now, though, the AI’s prediction remains speculative, and whether United will actually pursue such a dramatic move remains to be seen. The coming months should provide a clearer picture of the club’s strategy as the transfer window approaches.
