Pranav Nair
Manchester United look at alternatives for Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United are looking at alternatives for Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes. (h/t Manchester Evening News)
Fernandes has been linked with a move to the Red Devils since last summer and appeared to be in a strong position to sign the player in the January transfer window.
But the club now seem to have backed out of a deal citing Sporting’s sudden increase in the player’s valuation to £68.24 million.
With the clubs appearing to be unable to agree on a fee, United are considering Leicester City’s James Maddison and Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish as alternatives.
A better fit!
Both Maddison and Grealish have been critical to their team’s fortunes this season at different ends of the table. It can be argued that either of them would represent a better fit for the United midfield than Fernandes.
Maddison has been one of the Leicester’s stars as they push for Champions League qualification whereas Villa would be 4 points worse off at 19th if not for Grealish’s goals.
Both the players have experience of playing in the English top-flight and will not need a bedding-in period.
Fernandes does have better numbers than either of the player. But then Grealish and Maddison have performed at a higher level in the English Premier League.
Paying over the odds will not help United in the long term. It sets a precedent with other clubs likely to hold them for ransom.
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The 2-0 loss to Liverpool highlighted the gulf in quality that now exists between United and the Premier League elite.
A massive rebuild is required in the coming windows as the Red Devils look to close the gap to their arch-rivals. Rather than overspending on foreign players who present an element of risk, United can look at domestic alternatives. As Liverpool have shown of late, there is quality available if you are willing to look for it.
