Bruno Fernandes would fit Man Utd ‘like a glove’ says fan
Bruno Fernandes’ move to Manchester United is gathering pace. And reports say Sporting Lisbon expect the 25-year-old to seal his transfer to Old Trafford in the next few days. The Portugal international has scored 13 goals and registered 13 assists from 24 games across all competitions this season.
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And Portuguese newspaper O Jogo claim the 25-year-old’s move to the Premier League is expected to be finalised in the next few days.
Sporting would, in an ideal world, like the player to be part of their squad for their crunch showdown with Benfica next Friday.
But they realise that’s unlikely, with United expected to get him in the door before then.
Solskjaer had originally planned to sign a playmaker at the end of the campaign, convinced Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata would be enough for the time being.
But the struggles of both players have forced United into going for Fernandes right away.
United have a mixed record when it comes to signing players from the Portuguese top flight.
The last time they did that was in 2017, when they raided Benfica for defender Victor Lindelof.
Lindelof has blown hot and cold throughout his time at Old Trafford - just like Marcos Rojo, who signed from Sporting in 2014.
The Argentina international was vital as the Red Devils won both the EFL Cup and Europa League during Jose Mourinho’s time at the helm.
But he’s never come close to delivering the same commanding and assured displays as club legends Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
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Bruno Fernandes to Man Utd: Sporting Lisbon star's stats this season (Image: Wyscout)
United did, however, have greater success at signing Portuguese players when Sir Alex Ferguson was in charge.
They signed Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 and the rest is history, with the Portugal international helping the club win three Premier League titles between 2007 and 2009.
In 2007, Nani and Anderson touched down from Sporting and Porto.
And both players, despite being inconsistent, were popular and important for the club.
How Fernandes does remains to be seen.
But the pressure will be on the Portugal international from the very start, particularly given the struggles of United’s playmakers this season.