Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United’s captain, is at the centre of transfer speculation.
After five years at Old Trafford, the Portuguese star has been linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.
Fernandes, a key figure during one of United’s toughest periods, often singlehandedly rescued the team from defeat and led them to a Europa League final, where they fell to Tottenham Hotspur.
After securing the 2024/25 Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, Fernandes now shares the record of four awards with David de Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Losing a player of his calibre without a proper replacement could significantly hinder Manchester United’s progress and jeopardise their title ambitions.
Head coach Ruben Amorim spoke about his captain’s future and sounded convincing when speaking to the press after their 3-1 win over Hong Kong, when asked if it was Bruno’s last game for the club, he said:
“I don’t think so. I don’t know for sure. Nobody knows but I don’t think so. He’s seen us taking some actions to change all the things. I think that is all he asks.
“I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things but he chose that he wants to win. I think he’s really good and he needs to be on the best league in the world.”
And, when it was put to the boss if the club could afford to turn down a lucrative bid for the skipper, Ruben stated: “Yes, we can find another way to win money.”
When pressed further he said:
“Of course, I’m the manager, I’m the coach. Sometimes, it’s the decision of the player.
“Of course, I talk with him. I explain things and I just have that feeling, when you talk to someone, you have the feeling if they want to stay.
“Sometimes, after lots of games this season, he was so frustrated but he knows what we are doing.
“The feeling I have, every time I speak to him, is he wants to continue with Manchester United, for sure. But you never know.”
1. Pedro Gonçalves
25-year-old Sporting Lisbon midfielder Pedro Gonçalves is a reported target for Manchester United to replace their talisman, Bruno Fernandes.
Gonçalves played a pivotal role in Sporting’s Primeira Liga title win, contributing six goals and six assists in 20 matches. Over five years at Sporting, he has amassed 138 goal-and-assist contributions in 190 games.
With the transfer window just beginning, United have time to pursue the versatile midfielder.
2. Matheus Cunha
Brazilian Mattheus Cunha who has completed his move to Manchester United would be hoping to play alongside Bruno, but that may not be the case.
Previously Wolverhampton’s top scorer with 15 Premier League goals, Cunha also won Wolves’ Players’ Player of the Year award.
His creativity was central to Wolves’ attack in a season where they scored a club-record low of 44 league goals, finishing 16th with 42 points.
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3. Ryan Cherki
Frenchman Ryan Cherki who has been in superb form in the French league, has attracted interest from both Manchester clubs.
Cherki recorded 12 goals and 20 assists across all competitions and played a key role in both legs against Manchester United, scoring in each match and outpacing defenders easily.
Emerging from Lyon’s academy, the young star boasts one of Ligue 1’s top dribble success rates at 52.7% per 90 minutes and created 22 big chances in the league.
His standout qualities include his quick feet and composure on the ball, and with a modest £25m release clause, any club securing his services would gain a true gem.
4. Eberechi Eze
Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze played a pivotal role in securing a 12th-place Premier League finish for the Eagles.
However, his defining moment was scoring the decisive goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup final, clinching the club’s first trophy in its 164-year history.
His standout performances at Selhurst Park earned him a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
He concluded the season with 16 goal contributions in 38 matches, and was one of the top performers in the English Premier League, making it challenging for Crystal Palace to fend off interest from Europe’s elite clubs, especially after losing Michael Olise to Bayern Munich a year earlier.
However, a substantial transfer fee – far exceeding the £17m paid to QPR for Eze – could persuade the South London club.
5. Oscar Gloukh
Since the 2024 summer transfer window, Manchester United have been linked with the 20-year-old Red Bull Salzburg playmaker, seen as a potential successor to Bruno Fernandes.
Gloukh has shone in Austria, recording 10 goals and 5 assists in 26 matches. With Fernandes’ future uncertain, United could rekindle their pursuit of the young Israeli star.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus
Recording Date: 21.05.2025