Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva is one of the many rumoured players linked with Manchester United this season. Silva is currently playing for AS Monaco. Jose Mourinho, the United boss has been looking for someone who can give stability to the midfield, and it looks like the 22-year old completely fits the bill.
Bernardo Silva has been a very crucial figure in AS Monaco’s midfield this season and has played a significant role in making the Ligue 1 side reach the top of the table. He has made a mark for the French club side with four goals and four assists so far this season.
Bernardo Silva, before Monaco, used to play for Benfica. He got his first break in the Segunda Liga with Benfica B and went on to make 38 appearances for them in the Segunda Liga, scoring seven goals. Despite his brilliant performance with the Benfica B-side, Silva failed to become a regular in the Benfica senior side and was eventually loaned to Monaco in 2014.
He immediately made an impact with the Ligue 1 side and was presented with a permanent deal in 2015. He scored nine goals for AS Monaco and provided three assists to help the French side qualify for the Champions League.
Being instrumental for Leonardo Jardim’s side, Bernardo Silva has also made 10 International appearances for Portugal, scoring 1 goal so far. He missed the Euro 2016 campaign due to an injury which he picked up during Monaco’s penultimate match of the season. However, he was a part of the Portugal squad during their UEFA European U21 Championship campaign in 2015 and went on to become the Runners-up of the tournament, beaten by Sweden on penalties in the final. Silva also featured in the Team of the Tournament.
Bernardo Silva is known for his ability with the left foot. He is a free flowing operator with and without the ball and is equipped with solid dribbling skills. Standing at a meagre height of 5ft 8in, Silva’s playing style is reminiscent of his namesake in the Manchester City side, the Spanish star midfielder David Silva.
The Portuguese midfielder’s skills have been long recognised by the Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, and with neither of Juan Mata, Henrikh Mkhitaryan or Wayne Rooney making a mark as an attacking midfielder, the opportunity is tailor-made for Bernardo Silva to show some of his brilliance in the Red Devils’ uniform next season. It will also be an excellent opportunity for the youngster to play in one of the World’s top leagues and under the guidance of one of the best coaches in the world.
