As fears begin to re-emerge that Bruno Fernandes could leave the club, one Manchester United insider has claimed that the Red Devils are already preparing an internal replacement.
Update on Fernandes’ Man Utd future
Whilst Saudi Arabia did come calling and there was a brief moment that some believed Fernandes could be on his way out of Old Trafford, his heart ultimately lied at Man United. Their star man stayed put instead of sealing a transfer that could have been worth as much as £100m, but the saga may not be done there.
Fernandes’ reward for staying put has been a new role in Ruben Amorim’s side. Instead of playing in one of the two advanced roles as arguably one of the Premier League’s best creators, the United captain is being asked to play in a deeper role alongside either Manuel Ugarte or Casemiro and his output has taken a major hit as a result.
|
Fernandes’ PL stats P90 |
24/25 |
25/26 |
|---|---|---|
|
Goals |
0.24 |
0.29 |
|
Assists |
0 |
0.3 |
|
Carries into penalty area |
0.29 |
0.42 |
|
Take-ons |
0.57 |
0.84 |
It seems unlikely that Fernandes will repeat last season’s 18 goal involvements without having a direct influence inside the area and if United aren’t getting the best out of their star man, questions will arrive about his future.
According to Football Insider, the Portugal international could be tempted to leave Old Trafford with clubs in the Saudi Pro League once again interested in a £100m deal.
It was difficult to see how the Red Devils would cope without Fernandes last season. Everything positive went through him. Now that he’s in a deeper role, however, INEOS may believe that it’s worth cashing in on the 31-year-old whilst they still can.
If that does prove to be the case, then one Man United insider believes that Amorim will turn towards an internal replacement.
Insider believes Mainoo could replace Fernandes
According to former Old Trafford scout Mick Brown, Man United are already preparing Kobbie Mainoo to replace Fernandes despite concerns that he could also leave the club amid a lack of game time.
“Now, they’ll always struggle to find somebody as good as Bruno, I have no faith in them to do that, but I think work is already ongoing to find that player.
“It seems to me like Mainoo is being lined up as the perfect choice to step into his place, because the manager has been clear that he sees them as competition for the same role.
“Man United are reluctant to let Mainoo leave, they see him as part of the long-term future of the club in that starting XI, and that might be his chance.”
It would certainly make sense. Mainoo is a talented player who should be part of Ruben Amorim’s plans this season and Fernandes’ deeper role may have opened the door for the Carrington graduate.
If the United captain departs, then Mainoo represents the perfect player to step into that new role as the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo carry the creative mantle left behind.
