Manchester United had to leave Craven Cottage with only a point as Fulham came back from a goal down to hold the Red Devils to a 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Ruben Amorim’s second-half substitutions were partly to blame for the disappointing draw, with the head coach going for a safety-first approach instead of letting loose in order to grab all three points.
He once again overlooked Kobbie Mainoo, while Bruno Fernandes struggled all game; clearly, that penalty miss weighed heavily on his mind.
After not getting a single minute of action in both Premier League games, naturally, rumours regarding the Carrington graduate’s future at the club have begun to increase.
Bruno, Mainoo could yet leave
In fact, both he and the club captain have now been linked with an exit, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad chasing the Portugal international’s signature.
He does not necessarily fit in with what Amorim is trying to build, which explains why the club were ready to sell him to Al-Hilal earlier this window.
As for the England international, the head coach feels he lacks the requisite pace and physicality to play as the defensive midfielder, and is more adept as one of the No.10s or as an 8.
However, following Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo’s arrival, there is little chance the 20-year-old will get to play as an attacking midfielder in most games.
As difficult as it will be to digest for fans, an exit for either midfielder cannot be ruled out, and because of that, Givemesport have revealed that INEOS are planning ahead.
Angelo Stiller now a serious option
Angelo Stiller of VfB Stuttgart will then be targeted. He is not a natural alternative for Carlos Baleba, who was United’s top target for the defensive midfield role.
But now that Brighton have made it clear they will not sell, the 20-time English league champions have had to move on reluctantly. The German, who possesses a brilliant passing range, is being targeted for the No.8 role.
“Manchester United have decided that Angelo Stiller does not fit the bill as a direct alternative to Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba and they will only attempt to sign the Stuttgart star if Kobbie Mainoo or Bruno Fernandes head through the Old Trafford exit door, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
“GMS sources have been informed that Manchester United are interested in Stiller, but he is being seen as a potential replacement for Mainoo or Fernandes if they are given the green light to embark on a fresh challenge at the eleventh-hour.
Fans won’t be too impressed
“The Red Devils are aware that they have a golden opportunity to leave Stuttgart helpless as, despite starting the Bundesliga curtain-raiser against Union Berlin last weekend, there is a release clause worth close to £32million written into the central midfielder’s contract at the MHP Arena.”
Amorim would love someone like the 24-year-old on the ball, who figured in the 96th percentile for chances created and in the 97th percentile for accurate long balls and pass completion among his peers in Germany (via fotmob).
It is without the ball where he would struggle in England, hence why he is not seen as a Baleba alternative. Also the fact that he has a release clause worth £32 million written into his contract makes him an enticing option.
Angelo Stiller has been touted as the “next Toni Kroos” and that would normally excite fans, but not if the club loses their captain and their generational talent.
Surely, Amorim can utilise both players in a more fitting manner. Surely, INEOS can figure out a better way for all of this to work. Fans will be waiting with bated breath to find out.
Feature image Alex Grimm via Getty Images
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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
