According to a recent report by O Jogo (translated by ESPN), Manchester United are eyeing a £65m move to bring Sporting CP midfielder Bruno Fernandes to Old Trafford. The same source has also claimed that the Liga NOS outfit could benefit from cashing in on their prized asset as they need to pay off outstanding debts of around £57m and also bring in a suitable replacement.
Therefore, the Red Devils should now have a fair shot of recruiting the Portuguese playmaker but will face competition from Tottenham Hotspur as they are looking for a long-term replacement for Christian Eriksen (via ESPN).
Fernandes’ Majestic Rise In Portuguese Football
Fernandes was the best player in the Portuguese first division last season and has continued with his excellent form in this campaign as well. The Portugal international has netted nine goals and created six assists in 17 matches for Sporting this term on all fronts. He is averaging 3.4 shots, 3.5 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game in the Liga NOS (stats via whoscored).
It seems like Fernandes is too good to continue playing in the Portuguese top-flight so he might fancy a change of scenery either in January or at the end of this campaign. The Maia-born attacker has secured 18 international caps for Portugal and has scored once for his homeland thus far.
What Will The Portuguese Midfield Ace Add To Solskjaer’s Side?
Fernandes is a consistent goal-scorer who primarily operates in the number ten position as an attacking midfielder. The Portugal international is a very good dribbler with the ball at this feet and excels at shooting from long range. He is also not shy about setting up his teammates when they are in a more advantageous position in the final third.
Man United will benefit from acquiring a player of Fernandes’ skillset if they can manage to lure him to the Theatre of Dreams in the coming months. He will add a lot of creativity to the Red Devils midfield and will also score some important goals for them going forward.
Man United Moving In On Fernandes: Wise Choice By Solskjaer?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be wise to make a marquee signing soon so that he can turn things around at Old Trafford and establish his side as a regular participant in the UEFA Champions League once again. Fernandes has the makings of world-class talent, so he will be a brilliant acquisition for them in the long-run.
