Eddie Howe has backed Bruno Guimaraes to become a Newcastle ‘legend’ ahead of the club’s trip to face Manchester United this weekend.
Bruno Guimaraes has become a huge fans’ favourite at Newcastle since his arrival from Lyon last winter, with the midfielder having been a central figure in the club’s upturn in performances under Howe.
The Brazil international has been instrumental in the Magpies’ back-to-back wins over Fulham and Brentford and scored twice as the latter were thrashed 5-1 at St James’ Park last weekend.
Guimaraes’ impact has seen him hailed as a transformative signing for Newcastle’s new regime, though his performances have also seen the midfielder linked with Europe’s top clubs.
Howe has praised the performances of the 24-year-old and outlined his belief that Guimaraes can become a ‘legend’ on Tyneside.
“We desperately want him to be happy here and see a long-term vision here, but time will tell on that,” Howe told his pre-match press conference.
”We have to build positively. As long as a player sees an ambition in the club, hopefully we can fulfil the needs of everyone here. We are in the early stages of that so we don’t want to disturb that.
“He has done unbelievably well, the thing that has pleasantly surprised me is the relationship between me and him, and the squad. He has fitted in so well. He has epitomised the team spirit and the drive we need to be successful and the fans have seen that and really taken to him.
“I am new here so I am aware of he Newcastle legends of the past and I want my players to aspire to be the next one and if that is part of his motivations then I am all for it. He has the ability to be one of those players, but he has a long way to get there.
“If given the choice, would we do the deal? I think the answer would be yes, without a moment’s hesitation. Only time will tell on all transfers about whether it’s a good deal or a bad deal, but at the moment it looks like a fantastic bit of business.”
