As Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte prepare for summer exits, the Red Devils are reportedly tracking Villarreal’s Pape Gueye to lead their midfield rebuild.
The Midfield Overhaul: Out with the Old, In with the New
Manchester United’s “engine room” is set for a radical transformation this summer. With Casemiro’s free transfer departure already confirmed and Manuel Ugarte expected to move on, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS sporting team are scanning the market for fresh blood.
While names like Adam Wharton and Sandro Tonali have been linked, a new name has surged to the top of the shortlist: Villarreal’s Pape Gueye.
Who is Pape Gueye? The Senegal Star Reborn in Spain
After a complicated stint at Marseille and a brief, controversial spell at Watford where he never played, the 27-year-old Gueye has found his feet under Marcelino at Villarreal. Standing at 6ft 2in, the Senegalese international provides the physical presence and “quiet leadership” that United have lacked since the decline of the old guard.
Gueye’s Stats at Villarreal (2024-2026):
- Appearances: 64
- Goals: 8
- Key Strength: Tactical discipline and ball recovery.
This season alone, Gueye has netted three goals in 19 La Liga outings, proving he can contribute in the final third while maintaining his defensive duties.
The £52m Price Tag: A Fair Deal for United?
Villarreal, who signed Gueye on a free transfer, are reportedly holding out for a staggering €60m (£52m). While Manchester United are “huge admirers” of the midfielder, reports suggest they may be reluctant to meet that valuation upfront.
However, with the need to find a partner who can unlock Kobbie Mainoo’s creative potential, Gueye’s profile as a “destroyer” who can also pass under pressure makes him a high-priority target.
Competition for the “Engine Room” Slot
United aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket. The club continues to monitor a variety of profiles to ensure Michael Carrick has the right tools for a 2026/27 Champions League campaign:
| Target | Club | Style |
| Pape Gueye | Villarreal | Physicality & Leadership |
| Adam Wharton | Crystal Palace | Passing Range & Vision |
| Carlos Baleba | Brighton | Energy & Pressing |
| Angelo Stiller | Stuttgart | Technical Control |
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
