Manchester United want to sign £86m-rated Portuguese ace: The missing piece of the jigsaw

Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes’ has been in a bit of a transfer saga lately as it was first reported that he is closing in on a move to Manchester City. Fresh reports, however, have indicated that the 2017-18 Premier League champions have not contacted Fernandes’ club, Sporting CP, as per sources in the club.

The midfielder was set to move to the Etihad, but with City having pulled out of the race to sign him, Manchester United could take advantage of the situation and sign him.

According to the Express, Manchester United had discussions with the Portuguese club last month, and with City now dropping their interest in the midfielder, the Red Devils could once again pursue signing Fernandes.

Fernandes’ release clause is set at £86 million, but a fee of £47 million and players in exchange could perhaps convince Sporting CP to let go of the midfielder in the summer transfer window.

Is Fernandes the missing piece of the Manchester United jigsaw?

In one word – yes! Manchester United are in desperate need for some quality players in midfield as the midfielders have been inconsistent, not contributing enough in attack or defence, and have been run over by teams much lower in the table.

Fernandes is an all-round midfielder, a player who can influence and pull the strings from midfield with his strong passing and crossing, while also being a goal threat in and around the opposition’s box.

The Portuguese midfielder has scored an impressive 31 goals in all competitions for Sporting CP this season, which is an impressive feat for a striker let alone a central midfielder.

Fernandes is a good dribbler and has the ability to play long and short passes from midfield while also joining in the attack. Capable of playing in central midfield or further up the pitch behind the striker, Fernandes’ versatility and a multitude of skills makes him a great asset for any top midfielder. 

Paul Pogba has been inconsistent and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, while Ander Herrera is set to join PSG which leaves United short of a quality midfielder.

At £47 million, Fernandes looks like a steal; United paid Shakhtar Donetsk around £52 million for Fred last summer, who hasn’t set the world alight and been a bit part player in the United squad.