‘Very good player’ – Silvestre advises United to sign Newcastle ace

Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre would like to see his old club sign Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazilian has gone from strength to strength since joining Newcastle from Lyon in January 2022, establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the league.

Silvestre remembers watching Guimaraes from his time in Brazil and then Lyon. A move may be unlikely, but that doesn’t change the fact our former defender thinks United would benefit from a midfield trio of Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes and Guimaraes.

Speaking to Betting Expert, as cited by the Manchester Evening News, Silvestre said: ““Guimaraes is a very good player. I’ve known him since he was in Brazil. Then he spent time at Lyon and he’s very good. He’s dynamic, strong, good on the ball, he’s aggressive and suits the Premier League style of play. He’s got an eye for goal from time to time.

“He’s in the Brazil national team and he’s at a good age. I’m sure there will be a lot of teams looking if Newcastle were interested in selling. Guimaraes, Fernandes and Mainoo could be a good combination. I’ve no doubt about that. I would question who the holding midfielder would be. It wouldn’t be Fernandes. Guimaraes likes to play as a box to box. Kobbie could become a deep lying midfielder so that would be a good trio.”

Guimaraes is under contact at St James’ Park until 2028 after signing an extension earlier this season, but Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano previously stated that the Brazil international could be put on the market this summer amid Newcastle’s Financial Fair Play issues.

“It’s also a possibility for Newcastle to sell one big star this summer too,” Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column. “It will depend on the final verdict about Financial Fair Play but it’s a possibility, from what I’m told.

“Newcastle would love to keep all their stars but some of them, like Bruno Guimaraes, have a release clause, so it’s going to be time to follow those ones in the summer. I’m sure they want to add also some players to their squad in different positions, so it’s not only about the outgoings.”