Man Utd: Bruno Fernandes says ‘everything’ at club surprised him
Manchester United fans have a new favourite in the tall shape of Bruno Fernandes. The Sporting Lisbon star has been sensational for the club ever since his January arrival, contributing towards six goals since signing on the dotted line. But, if they land Jack Grealish from Aston Villa as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants, they’ll be taking a massive risk.
Last summer, United considered Fernandes. They’d seen him take Portuguese football by storm, starring for Sporting Lisbon amid a tricky campaign at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
In the end they opted against snapping him up due to fears over his ball retention rate and passing accuracy.
Those concerns have gone. Fernandes, ever since his January arrival, has become Solskjaer’s talisman with some stirring performances.
He’s been a revelation in the No 10 role, easily looking an upgrade on the likes of Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Andreas Pereira.
But, this summer, United may be about to take a Fernandes gamble.
Solskjaer still wants to sign Grealish from Aston Villa, hearing only positive things about the 24-year-old and what he can bring to his side.
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Grealish caused controversy during the coronavirus crisis when he breached lockdown to attend a party - and was then pictured in his slippers the next day.
He did, though, apologise for his actions.
And while the playmaker’s antics raised eyebrows at Old Trafford, Solskjaer is willing to look past the controversy.
The problem is, though, that United risk diminishing Fernandes’ growing stock should they manage to secure Grealish’s signature.
Upon moving, Sporting manager Carlos Carvalhal insisted the 25-year-old would be better off playing elsewhere - away from the No 10 spot.
“He is not a No 10,” Carvalhal told Sky Sports. “He is a midfielder but he has developed that ability to break the line of the defence to score goals. He shoots, he assists, the passes and the free-kicks.
“But he is not a 10, he is an 8. He is a box-to-box player who understands very well the game. He doesn’t just play. He understands everything that happens around him.”
But, while that’s the case, it’s not necessarily a given that Fernandes would shine in the same role.
He’s strong on the ball yet the Premier League is a different beast to the Primeira Liga. On these shores, football can sometimes be tough and gritty.
Fernandes at No 10 is protected. He’s had Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic doing the dirty work, allowing him to shine.