Blackmore Urges United to Sign Bruno Guimarães as Midfield Concerns Linger

As pre-season unfolds and Manchester United prepare for a critical 2025/26 campaign, the need for reinvention remains urgent. A goalless draw against Leeds was an underwhelming start to Ruben Amorim’s first summer in charge and a stark reminder that many of last season’s issues are far from resolved. One of those issues? Midfield. Former United defender Clayton Blackmore believes it’s still the area most in need of urgent quality, and he knows exactly who he’d bring in to fix it.

Bruno Guimarães Picked As Ideal Target

An area where Manchester United has struggled to recruit well or develop their existing collection of players is the midfield. United have spent heavily in that area of the pitch from the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin to Paul Pogba, Casemiro and more recently Manuel Ugarte.

You could argue fairly few, if any of the signings have been a success. It needs improving if United are to turn their fate around after a disappointing season just gone. Blackmore would like to see a midfielder from the Premier League brought in, but also has regrets about the departure of another midfielder away from Old Trafford.

“I would like someone similar to Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle. Someone to feed the striker, because right now the strikers are not getting enough balls to work with.”

“I would have kept Eriksen, and I think he might be a very big loss.”

Mainoo Must Step Up

One of the midfielders to emerge from the Manchester United academy who enjoyed a great breakthrough season under former manager Erik ten Hag is Kobbie Mainoo, who went on to make his England debut and represent England at Euro 2024. Mainoo has become well known for his ability with the ball at his feet and his confidence to receive the ball in tight situations.

However, since the breakthrough season, Mainoo has been riddled with injuries and a drop-off in performance levels, which has led to Blackmore questioning Mainoo. He feels as though the youngster needs to imprint his personality and ability on football matches more consistently.

“I don't know about Mainoo. I think he needs to do a bit more. When he's got the ball I think he is really good, but he doesn't seem to get on the ball enough.”

“I would like both him and the team to get a lot more on the ball around the edge of the box, because Mainoo is very smooth with his movement.”

“He is a very strong player, but I have seen a lot of games where he will do something very good but will then fade a bit out.”

United Would Have Been Relegated Without Bruno Fernandes

While the midfield has largely flattered to deceive, club captain Bruno Fernandes remains the club’s heartbeat, although at times frustratingly erratic.

Even so, Fernandes continues to divide opinion among fans and pundits alike. Blackmore understands the frustration, but also believes the criticism is misplaced.

“Obviously, if you play for a better team you will always play better, because you are more on the ball, get a bit more service and so on.”

“But I always say that Bruno Fernandes is good 50% of the time. He will do something brilliant and then he will do something where you think: Why have you done that?”

“He is Man United´s best player, and without him they might have gone down last season. He is a top player and they need to keep him.”

With United currently listed at 4/1 to finish in the top four, there isn't too much faith in the current operation - and if you want to take advantage of those odds, you can do so by using our bet365 bonus code.

Read more as Clayton Blackmore discusses Manchester United not signing Ollie Watkins years ago