Bruno Fernandes urges Man United to sign World Cup star to bolster attack

Bruno Fernandes has urged Manchester United to sign Gonçalo Ramos from Benfica, saying that the striker has ‘all the qualities’ to play at Old Trafford.

Ramos, 21, emerged as a star for Portugal during the 2022 World Cup after scoring a hattrick in his first start against Switzerland in the round-of-16.

The Benfica star has scored 19 goals in Liga Portugal this term as he spearheaded Os Encarnados to their first title since 2019.

He also impressed in the Champions League this term as Benfica reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out by finalists Inter. Four goals and two assists in the qualifying stages for the tournament were followed by three goals and three assists in his 10 appearances in the competition proper.

United are on the look for a striker after Cristiano Ronaldo left the club in November last year. Wout Weghorst was signed on loan as a short term replacement but is highly unlikely to remain at Old Trafford after failing to score a Premier League goal in his five-month stint.

Ramos has been earmarked as a potential option for The Reds by various outlets in the last months but it was always Harry Kane at the top of Erik ten Hag’s list.

However, with it looking ever-more-likely that the Englishman will remain at Tottenham Hotspur for at least another season, United will need to look elsewhere and Bruno Fernandes believes they should look no further than his national teammate.

The Portuguese playmaker believes that Ramos’ qualities are suited to English football and that he could become one of the best strikers in the world in the coming years.

“Gonçalo has all the conditions to play in the Premier League,” Bruno told Sport TV, relayed by A Bola. “He is very intense, presses very well and is very good in the area.

“It surprised me in the National Team, not only me but also other colleagues. Physically he is strong, he is still young and will get better. If you continue to work as you have done, I think you have the potential to be one of the best spearheads in the world, but he still needs to go to a more competitive league to demonstrate it.”

After a third place finish in the Premier League this season, United will be aiming to go one step closer next term and challenge for the title. However, in order to do so they need a top level striker.

The Reds scored only 58 goals in the league throughout 2022/23 – which is 30 less than second-place Arsenal and 36 behind champions Manchester City.

Despite stressing that he is not yet the man making the decisions in the transfer market – perhaps hinting at a potential role post-retirement – Bruno hailed his fellow countryman, saying that he does not only have the talent to play in the most competitive league in the world, but also for United.

“Here the best always work, be it Gonçalo or another player,” added the United midfielder. “I think he has all the qualities to play in the Premier League, and when I say in the Premier League I also say Manchester United.

“I think it may turn out to be a great reference in the coming years, but it’s not in my hands yet to be a sports director. When I am, I will make these decisions.”