Manchester United Eye Villarreal Midfielder Pape Gueye: Should Carrick Make the Move?

Manchester United have set their sights on Villarreal’s Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye, according to a recent Fichajes report. The 27-year-old’s consistent performances in La Liga have put him on the Red Devils’ radar as they plan a summer swoop to reinforce the engine room at Old Trafford.

Gueye has featured 32 times for the Yellow Submarine this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists across all competitions. Operating primarily as a central midfielder, he has earned a reputation as one of the division’s most reliable ball-winners, timing tackles to break up opposition moves before initiating counters for his side.

At 1.89 m, the Dakar-born enforcer adds aerial dominance to his skill set, while his willingness to drive forward and contribute offensively has seen him chip in with important goals. Equally comfortable distributing possession, Gueye’s passing range keeps Villarreal ticking, attributes that could translate well to the Premier League—provided he adapts to the league’s relentless tempo.

Complicating any potential deal is the player’s contract situation: Gueye is tied to Villarreal until June 2028, meaning Manchester United would likely need to table a substantial offer to tempt the Spanish club into a sale.

For interim coach Michael Carrick, the midfielder represents an opportunity to inject both quality and depth into a department that has struggled for consistency. At 27, Gueye is entering his prime years, offering the prospect of an immediate impact and long-term value.

Whether United can negotiate a reasonable fee remains to be seen, but the club’s recruitment staff clearly believe Gueye has the tools to compete for a starting berth and help the team challenge on multiple fronts in the seasons ahead.