Why Man United must go all out to sign Bruno Fernandes in January

According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, (h/t the Daily Mail) Manchester United could land Bruno Fernandes in January with Sporting Lisbon needing to raise funds to clear debts of around £57million.

The Sporting Lisbon star, 25, was heavily linked with Manchester United over the summer. However, a move to the Premier League didn’t materialise but now Sporting are willing to sell for £65million in order to clear their increasing debt, the report adds. (h/t the Daily Mail)

Manchester United, however, will face competition from Tottenham, who see the Portuguese international as a potential replacement for Christian Eriksen. (h/t the Daily Mail)

Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes in action. (Getty Images)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is on a quest to rebuild the Manchester United squad and fill it with young prospects to hand the club their identity again. Summer signings Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James have risen to the occasion, while Harry Maguire has solidified the backline that leaked over 50 goals in the Premier League last season.

United are recovering from a poor start to the season, with Solskjaer’s side enjoying a solid October month. But with the January transfer window not far away, it is important for Solskjaer to start planning his targets.

One area the Norwegian should definitely strengthen is the midfield as he didn’t replace Ander Herrera in the summer, while Nemanja Matic is keen to leave the club in January after losing his place in the first-team. (h/t The Metro)

Bruno Fernandes would be a fantastic fit at Old Trafford. He is rated as one of the best players in the Portuguese league. The 25-year-old has scored 9 goals in just 20 appearances for club and country and recently bagged a sensational goal for Portugal in the 3-2 win against Luxembourg in the Euro 2020 qualifier.

The Portuguese star will definitely strengthen the Red Devils’ options in the middle of the park, whilst being a major upgrade on the likes of Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard in the No.10 role. Still just 25, Fernandes is approaching his peak years as a midfielder.

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Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)

Scott McTominay and Fred have produced some solid performances this season but neither is blessed with the creative abilities and flair that Fernandes possesses.

Paul Pogba is a world-class player but he’s had a number of injury problems this season. The Red Devils, thus, could use a midfielder of Fernandes’ ilk to solve their creative woes.

Verdict

The Portuguese midfielder looks like a superb option for United, and Solskjaer could really do with a deal like that to lift the mood after a poor start to the 2019/20 season.