Manchester United are said to be interested in two Premier League stars as potential replacements for Bruno Fernandes amid interest from Saudi Arabia.
Bruno Fernandes has been a shining light for Manchester United this season, showcasing his quality despite a very poor season for the club overall.
Without Fernandes, Rúben Amorim’s United team could have dropped into the relegation zone and they wouldn’t have made it to the Europa League Final.
However, with a long rebuild ahead, the Portuguese playmaker has been linked with a move away from the club, with Al Hilal said to be interested and prepared to offer him a very lucrative wage package.
Replacing Fernandes with just one player would be near impossible; his 19 goals and 17 assists in 54 appearances this season represent a player at the height of their powers, so several talents will be needed to take over his responsibilities.
While Kobbie Mainoo could take some of his responsibilities, he won’t be able to take over the attacking output from the United captain, especially considering he is just 20 years old and struggled for regular gametime this season.
United eyeing Guimaraes and Tielemans as Fernandes replacements
While replacing Fernandes won’t be easy, there is a possibility that United’s recruitment team will have to do this summer and both Bruno Guimaraes and Youri Tielemans are reported options.
Guimaraes joined Newcastle United in January 2022 and has been exceptional since, even becoming the captain in Kieran Trippier’s absence this season. He is adored by Newcastle fans for his passion and work rate on the pitch, much like how Fernandes plays for United.
His aggression and slightly deeper role don’t stop him from attacking, with Guimaraes registering 11 goal contributions in the Premier League this season, including a goal against Amorim’s United side.
The other option is Aston Villa’s Tielemans, who has also been very impressive this season, with 15 goal contributions, including five in the Champions League.
While he can play as an attacking midfielder, Tielemans plays his best football in a double pivot alongside a ball-winner. The Belgian could strike up a great partnership with Manuel Ugarte next season in Amorim’s midfield.
United must prepare for life without Fernandes
It’s clear that Fernandes relishes every minute he plays in a United shirt, especially since he took the captain’s armband from Harry Maguire, but if the team’s form continues to decline, an exit could be likely.
At 30 years old, the Portuguese midfielder will want to start competing for trophies before it is too late and his career comes to an end.
His unbelievable work rate means he should have at least five more years at the top of the game, but will he want to spend five years as part of Amorim’s rebuild when he could compete for Champions League trophies in a different side?
A move away could happen in the coming years, if not this summer, and United have to be ready when that day comes.
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