According to the reports from leading Portuguese journalist Filipe Dias as cited by Sky Sports, Manchester United are closing in on the signing of attacking midfielder Bruno Fernandes this month. The 25-year-old was linked heavily with United even in the summer along with Tottenham, but Fernandes stayed put with Sporting Lisbon.
Portuguese journalist has his say on Fernandes’ transfer situation
It is believed that Sporting would be forced to sell their crucial playmaker due to financial concerns at the club. Journalist Dias on the Transfer Talk podcast said, ”The story so far is that United this time are really closing in on Bruno Fernandes, We ran the story that there are talks between the two clubs and we figured that a deal might be close in the next few days, or hours even because Sporting need money badly.”
”The situation has changed since last summer. They didn’t accept a deal with Tottenham for 70m euros, but that would have been paid with 40m euros up front and then another 30m. Now Sporting will accept 70m Euros, but paid in instalments. United is a club that Bruno Fernandes really likes in England; it’s a club that he really wants to play for. Talks have been intensified in the last couple of days, so we’re kind of expecting that it might be close.”
It is believed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his assistant manager, Mike Phelan were present in action to see Fernandes play against Porto recently. Fernandes has continued with his rich vein of form this season as he has grabbed 13 goals and 13 assists in all competitions so far. It seems like the summer transfer saga didn’t affect his game, and the club captain has gone from strength to strength.
How will Fernandes make a difference at Old Trafford?
The 19 times Portugal international is known for his incisive passing and ability to arrive late in the box and score goals. Manchester United are desperately in need of adding firepower as they have struggled to cut open teams that like to defend deep in a low block. United have done well against the so-called big sides as the likes of Marcus Rashford gets a chance to use his pace and run into vacant spaces.
Whereas against teams who defend deep with men behind the ball, United don’t get the chance to run at their defence. Fernandes will come in handy against the so-called lesser teams as he can link up play well and he also has a decent right foot on him.
Paul Pogba, who is often cited as United’s most creative player, has missed a good chunk of the season due to injuries and Fernandes would add the much-needed guile and creativity in the middle. He is also a decent finisher in and around the box and signing him in this window would certainly give United the much-needed boost they need in the attack.
