According to Corriere Dello Sport, as cited by Daily Star, Manchester United have reached a €70 million agreement with Sporting CP over the transfer for Bruno Fernandes. It is further claimed that the player is ready to move to Manchester and undergo a medical at Old Trafford. But, Starsport understands the Red Devils can only sanction the transfer should Paul Pogba leave the club this summer.
Is Bruno Fernandes a direct replacement for Pogba?
It is unlikely Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer will consider Fernandes as a like for like replacement for Pogba. The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer, and his potential departure to Santiago Bernabeu will surely create a massive void in the midfield department.
Fernandes, though a midfielder, mainly concentrates on the offensive side of the game. This is unlike Pogba, who is capable of tracking back to win back possession for his team.
Even though the Portuguese attempted 2.9 tackles per game last season, his accuracy of 58% is slightly less than Pogba’s tally of 2.1 attempted tackles with a success rate of 61%. Besides, it’s also fair to consider the added pressure of making those tackles in the fast-paced nature of the Premier League.
As far as the creative game is concerned, Pogba relies on his ability to deliver accurate long-balls. Indeed, he is an excellent long-passer while his physical attributes also make him a remarkable ball-carrier. Fernandes, to that end, focuses more on threading useful short passes in and around the final third.
There are certain similarities, however, as both are proficient in set-pieces. In fact, most of Fernandes’ goals have come from dead balls while more than half of Pogba’s goals last season have come from penalties. But in hindsight, these two are a different kind of players despite occupying a similar position in midfield.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
How could Solskjaer utilise Fernandes?
Fernandes will be more of an answer to Manchester United’s attacking problems than their midfield issues. He is expected to be deployed in the number ten slot in Solskjaer’s 4-3-1-2 formation. This role will allow the 24-year-old to become more expressive with his offensive forays while enabling him to combine with midfielders in deeper areas.
Alternatively, the Portuguese international could be forced into playing the additional midfield role in the 4-3-1-2. That means he could be deployed alongside either Fred or a potential new signing in a number eight slot, with Nemanja Matic or Scott McTominay operating as the holding midfielder.
Either way, Fernandes has the quality to enhance United’s chance creation in the final third. And if the midfielder manages to replicate his performances in the English top-flight, he will become the club’s creator-in-chief in no time.
