Manchester United have the opportunity to build a young and exciting double-pivot, but only by sacrificing Bruno Fernandes.
The 30-year-old has been plying his trade at Old Trafford since January 2020, when he made the move from Sporting CP. The Portuguese was named captain in 2023, and he has long established himself as the club’s main source of creativity.
Even with Man Utd hitting rock bottom last season, Bruno remained one of the bright sparks at the club, contributing with 19 goals and 19 assists in all compeititons.
Would Man United sell Bruno Fernandes to make way for Carlos Belaba?
Fernandes might be an attacking midfielder by trade, but he has been deployed in a deeper role under the orders of Ruben Amorim. However, it has been evident that the skipper needs a stronger physical presence by his side in the double pivot than what an ageing Casemiro can offer.
Earlier this month, Man Utd identified Carlos Baleba as the ideal man for the enforcer’s role. However, they have been repelled by Brighton’s asking price.
The Seagulls are keen to keep the Cameroonian, so they’re only willing to negotiate figures north of £100 million.
Therefore, The Guardian notes that United would only be able to afford the 21-year-old by selling Fernandes.
As the source explains, Bruno had already turned down an enormously lucrative bid from Al-Hilal, but another Saudi Pro League giant (most likely Al-Itihad) could launch an onslaught in the coming days.
In this case, Man Utd would be able to reinvest the transfer fee on the ‘absolutely wonderful’ Baleba, which would solve the issue related to the No.6.
Kobbie Mainoo would step up to replace Bruno
As for the No.8 role, MUFC already have a ready-made replacement for the Portuguese international. As explained by Amorim in recent days, Kobbie Mainoo is fighting with Bruno for a starting role.
Needless to say, the 20-year-old has been chasing a lost cause, as this duel is more than he can chew, as evidenced by the number 0 next to his playing minutes this season. Therefore, the Englishman is said to be willing to depart in the final days of the summer, much to the dismay of the Man United supporters.
Nevertheless, Bruno’s exit represents an alternative solution for the club, as it could allow Amorim to build a young and intense midfield partnership between Baleba and Mainoo, while relying on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo for creativity.
However, are United willing to entertain a scenario that would see them deprive themselves of their most influential player over the past five years?
