Manchester United had to be content with a draw against Real Sociedad on Thursday despite dominating proceedings and creating multiple chances.
The hosts equalised after a dubious penalty call while Diogo Dalot’s decision to not pass to Rasmus Hojlund inside the box was criticised by Ruben Amorim as well as pundits.
The full-back has really struggled, be it on either flank, since Amorim’s arrival. He is not a wingback and due to lack of options, the head coach has had to keep playing him.
Which explains the Red Devils’ interest in Geovany Quenda of Sporting CP with the 17-year-old eager to reunite with his former boss irrespective of the availability of European football at Old Trafford.
Quenda alternative
There have been reports that the 20-time English league champions are prepared to pay €40 million to land him next summer while the Portuguese giants are holding out for €60 million.
In case, an agreement cannot be reached, United have kept a backup plan ready with the club keeping their eyes on Roger Fernandes of SC Braga.
The 19-year-old is left-footed and can play on either flank and can double up as a winger if required. But he excels on the right which makes him a perfect replacement for Dalot. He already has five goals and as many assists this season.
He is in the 97th percentile for progressive carries and 98th percentile for successful take-ons, which shows his ability with the ball (as per fbref).
Football Analysis have described him as an “electric, pacey winger known for his fearless and confident play” who is also known for being “an explosive 1v1 specialist”.
His qualities and consistent displays this season have attracted plenty of interest with United being joined by fierce rivals Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle, and West Ham in the race.
In-demand Roger
Italian outfits Napoli and Atalanta are also keeping tabs on him as per TBR Football with the player having a release clause worth €40 million in his current contract.
“TBR Football can reveal that Roger Fernandes is emerging as a potential summer target for a host of clubs after another hugely impressive campaign for Braga.
“Sources with knowledge of the situation have confirmed to TBR Football that Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester United have all watched Fernandes in the last 12 months.
“We can also confirm that Italian outfits Napoli and Atalanta have shown an interest, together with Benfica and Porto, who would be open to keeping him in Portugal.”
United would ideally like to agree a deal for less than the release clause while a bidding war would suit Braga just fine. It will be interesting to see who finally lands up at Old Trafford, Quenda or Roger.
Feature image Octavio Passos via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
