In a recent print edition, Portuguese news outlet Record stated that Manchester United could face stiff competition for Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez. It has been claimed that the Reds will have to compete with Barcelona, Liverpool and Manchester United in the race to secure the services of the Argentine midfield ace.
Fernandez’s Impressive Run Of Form At The Estádio da Luz
Fernandez is enjoying a decent campaign in Portuguese football after producing a run of productive displays at the centre of Benfica’s midfield. The 21-year-old has scored three goals and secured four assists in 22 matches for the Portuguese club this season across all competitions.
The San Martin-born talent has been a positive influence at both ends of the field as he is averaging 1.8 tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 2.1 shots and 1.8 key passes per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. He has even been accurate when distributing possession from midfield after completing 90.1% of his attempted passes in the Portuguese top tier (stats via whoscored).
Fernandez’s current deal with Benfica will run out in the summer of 2027. Thus, the Portuguese outfit have no immediate need to cash in on him which could make it difficult for Man United to land him next year.
Should Man United Boss Erik Ten Hag Snap Fernandez Up This Summer?
Fernandez is a decent tackler of the ball and can make a few timely interceptions for his team at the centre of the park. He can strike the ball with venom and accuracy from long range and has got the eye to play a few decisive passes in the final third.
However, the Argentine sensation is still quite raw and might need time to settle into life in English football if Man United can devise a way to bring him to Old Trafford this winter or at the end of this campaign.
Fernandez will undeniably enhance the overall quality of Erik ten Hag‘s midfield department and is well-equipped to offer some healthy competition for Fred, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Scott McTominay for a regular starting spot at the Manchester club.
Thus, it makes sense for ten Hag to engineer a move to snap Fernandez up during the January transfer window even if he has to launch a big-money offer for his services. At 21, the Argentine midfielder has still got a lot of room to grow as a footballer and could help the Red Devils get back to challenging for top honours over the next decade.
