Manchester United may have missed a big opportunity this summer after Jason Wilcox “considered” but didn’t make a move to sign a young star with “huge potential”.
Manchester United were very busy in the summer transfer window, having to put a large focus on both incomings and outgoings, but their transfers for the academy sides went rather under the radar.
Diego Leon – who made his under-21s debut in a friendly against a PFA side on Wednesday – is the most notable young transfer, but Jason Wilcox also signed Harley Emsden-James from Southampton.
Enzo Kana-Biyik also joined the Red Devils this summer, signing from Le Havre before immediately joining Lausanne-Sport on loan, another club owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
While United did sign several young talents, it has been revealed that United could have missed a big opportunity with one youngster they chose not to sign.
United “considered” Fernandes move
Roger Fernandes – a young wing-back, who played for Braga last season – was an option for United, and they have been linked to the 19-year-old for some time.
Graeme Bailey, via United in Focus, has said: “United view the 19-year-old as a player of huge potential and we can confirm they considered making a move for him in August.
“However, United were having to prioritise other aspects of their squad, and Fernandes’ people were aware. A number of clubs like Fernandes, but few more so than United. Their scouts really rate him and feel he would be a great fit for Amorim and the squad.”
The youngster has now completed a move to Al-Ittihad in a deal worth £26 million, but it is understood that United will continue to monitor Fernandes and could go back in for him in the future.
Bailey went on to say: “With PSR, there are limits to spending a club can do, and United just had other issues that were priorities. He’s a player that even with a move to Saudi, United will continue to keep very close tabs on.”
United prioritise wing-back talent at Old Trafford
While United could have made a move for Fernandes, Rúben Amorim already has a wealth of wing-backs at his disposal, including several young prospects.
The current first-choice wing-backs are Patrick Dorgu on the left side and Amad or Diogo Dalot on the right. Leon will also be pushing for first-team involvement this season.
Bendito Mantato – who has experience as both a left-back and right-winger – played in pre-season as a right-wing-back, while Jayden Kamason is another attacking right-back who could play higher up for Amorim’s side.
On the left side, Harry Amass has just joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan, and Dante Plunkett joined the club last season from Aston Villa as a young attacking wing-back.
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