It is safe to say that Manchester United have had a disastrous season even if they somehow win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League next season.
The Premier League campaign has been nothing short of disastrous and Ruben Amorim will be mulling over making multiple changes once the summer window opens.
While plenty of big-name stars could make way, one player he will not want to lose is club captain Bruno Fernandes, who has once again been world-class irrespective of the team’s form.
He has 16 goals and as many assists this season and has crossed double digits for goals and assists in each of his seasons in Manchester, not to mention working his socks off for the team’s cause in every single game.
Bruno linked with Real Madrid move
Real Madrid are reportedly interested in the Portugal international and while Amorim has categorically explained that the skipper is going nowhere, Fichajes have still come out with a report highlighting United’s potential replacements for the 30-year-old.
Names like Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White, Oscar Gloukh and Xavi Simons are mentioned and all of them have been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the past.
And while they do not come close to offering Fernandes’ level of quality, they still are big-name players who have done well for their respective teams.
A surprising addition to the list is Mikkel Damsgaard of Brentford, who has three goals and 10 assists for the Bees this season, quite impressive numbers with his performances going under the radar.
In fact, he has the same number of assists as United’s talisman and has been described as “one of the most creative players” in the English top flight currently, high praise indeed.
Surprise replacement
“Manchester United have identified five players as potential successors to Bruno Fernandes should the Portuguese midfielder leave the club due to interest from Real Madrid.
“The shortlist includes Mikkel Damsgaard, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White, Oscar Gloukh and Xavi Simons. Damsgaard stands out for his technique and creativity in the final third.”
The 24-year is enjoying somewhat of a breakthrough campaign this term after he had managed zero goals and a meagre three assists in his previous two seasons combined for the London club, which makes a summer move quite risky.
He can play all across the frontline and even in midfield which could prove useful for Amorim. He would join the ever-growing Danish contingent at the club if the report turns out to be true. But going by the outlet’s reputation, that seems unlikely at this stage.
Feature image Steve Bardens 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
