Manchester United are keeping an eye on one talented youngster at the Under-21 European Championships this summer ahead of a potential transfer.
There has been a focus on signing talented young players at Manchester United over the last year as INEOS look to bring back an old identify at Old Trafford.
Whether that be signing low-cost gems – like Ayden Heaven – or hugely exciting prospects – like Leny Yoro – the Reds want to bring in these kind of talents.
Before the summer window, it appeared that United would try and sign Geovany Quenda, a 17-year-old star from Sporting who shone in Amorim’s system.
However, he has instead opted to join Chelsea and there haven’t been many links to other right-sided wingbacks at Old Trafford since then.
Instead, it seems like the plan is for United to bring in Bryan Mbeumo and move Amad into that slightly deeper and wider position.
United keeping tabs on Euro U21 star
One player who can play on that right flank is SC Braga wonderkid Roger Fernandes and there has been reported interest in him from United previously.
The 19-year-old has played plenty of games as the right wingback in a 3-4-3 formation but also has experience playing on both wings. Last term, he scored five goals and registered seven assists.
Currently playing at the Under-21 European Championships with Portugal, Fernandes assisted twice in their group stage win against Poland and United are still keeping an eye on him.
“We understand that United like Fernandes a lot and believe that he would be a good fit into the Ruben Amorim system, which means United have been keeping tabs on him over in Slovakia,” transfer expert Graeme Bailey told United In Focus.
“As Fernandes plays for Portugal U21 in the European Championship, United are following him closely; however, there are doubts around whether a wing-back is on the cards this summer.
“Things have changed at United with their targets indicating Amad will be played as a right wing-back from this point forward, and in that case, I don’t think Fernandes can be seen as a priority.
“However, United are doing options and still like him, while the fact that he can play in a number of positions also appeals.”
Fernandes could replace Amad during AFCON
If United are able to sign a striker and midfielder, it is possible that they try and make a move for Fernandes and he could be the perfect player for that role.
Amad will be the main starter on the right flank, meaning that the Portuguese starlet would not need to come in and hit the ground running, but instead provide solid competition.
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Although, should he join the club, Fernandes would likely get an opportunity to shin around Christmas time when Amad departs to play in the Africa Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast.
Ideally, Amorim should have someone like Fernandes to call upon during that six-game period, with the likes of Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot unable to have a similar attacking impact.
It remains to be seen whether this is actually a deal which can get done but it would certainly be useful to have that offensive understudy to Amad in that role.
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