According to a recent report by Manchester Evening News, Manchester United have not made a move to secure the services of Sporting CP star Bruno Fernandes this summer. However, the same source has revealed that the Red Devils are annoyed by all the coverage generated by the Portuguese media as Sporting tries to orchestrate an auction for their prized asset in this off-season.
In a recent interview (via Manchester Evening News), Sporting boss Marcel Keizer shed some light on the speculation surrounding Fernandes’ future at the club and said, “For me, they can close the [transfer] window, yes.
“It would be enough for me. At all times, before starting, one expects exits and entrances. We have to wait.
“We want to keep the best, but we’re in the market. Soon we have to wait. We are not in the position where we can keep everyone. Let’s hope it stays that way.
“It depends, of course, on who can enter later if Bruno leaves. Quality players like that we can’t replace.”
It seems like the Liga NOS outfit are preparing for life after Fernandes’ exit. However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are far from getting a deal done for the Portuguese prospect.
The 24-year-old put in a fabulous display against Liverpool in a pre-season friendly at the Yankee Stadium last night. He opened the goal-scoring with a powerful shot after Simon Mignolet’s blunder. He was also the mastermind behind Sporting’s equaliser in the second half when he set-up Wendel with a delicate pass in the final third. The match ended with both teams sharing the Western Union cup after a 2-2 stalemate at New York.
However, Fernandes’ performance last night was the highlight of the match, which might have raised his stock even more in the European transfer market. The LPFP Primeira Liga Player of the Year registered 32 goals and created 18 assists in 53 matches for the Lisbon outfit across all competitions last season. He has also managed to secure 12 international caps for Portugal and has scored once for his country thus far.
What Are The UEFA Nations League Winner’s Strengths?
Fernandes is a prolific goal-scorer as he can strike the ball with power and precision. The Portugal international is a real menace in the opposition half as he is always looking to create openings for himself or others around him. The Liga NOS attacking midfielder can pick out a decisive pass in the final third and is not afraid to work hard for his team.
Fernandes can handle expectations well but needs a bigger platform to showcase his talents at the highest level. However, the Portuguese sensation has only had one good season in his playing career so far. Hence, there is a slight doubt over whether he might struggle to replicate similar numbers in a foreign league next season.
What Should Be Solskjaer’s Play Here?
There is no denying that an all-around midfield talent like Fernandes will significantly bolster Solskjaer’s attacking options at the Theatre of Dreams. He has all the skillset needed to be a grand success in the Premier League. However, it seems like Sporting CP are hoping to start a bidding war which would drive his price up even more in the coming weeks. Even then, Man United should consider splashing the cash on the Liga NOS prospect. Fernandes has the potential to compete for the Ballon d’Or if he can continue his rich vein of form next season.
