So we wait. The Bruno Fernandes speculation is in full swing, pending a breakthrough in negotiations.
The Mail report United have made a bid, and Fernandes is keen on a switch.
The rest should hopefully be a matter of course, although we have learned to take nothing for granted with United.
Potential major addition
Fernandes is a player who would be worthy of the vacant number seven shirt at United.
The iconic shirt has been worn by the likes of George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Post-Ronaldo, there have just been pretenders. Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia, Angel di Maria, Memphis Depay and Alexis Sanchez have all tried and failed.
While we did not know it at the time, Sanchez and Owen were past it. The expectation was simply too much for Valencia and Depay. Di Maria lacked the heart.
Fernandes has the chance to be different. He is 25, neither too young and inexperienced nor old and past it.
He has the character United need. He is showing his leadership qualities for Sporting at present, where he deals with a high amount of pressure. He has responded this season with 14 goals and 10 assists.
At the weekend, knowing United’s eyes were firmly on him, he responded with two goals in a dominant display as Sporting won 3-1 at Vitoria.
United have been saving the number seven shirt for a special player. Fernandes can be the star supporters crave.
Star power lacking
United’s midfield lacks a fear factor and that is one of the reasons opponents have had success against us this season.
Fernandes gives United a midfield goal threat which simply is not there in Paul Pogba’s absence.
Dan James is United’s highest scorer from midfield with three goals along with Scott McTominay.
Jesse Lingard, Andreas Pereira and Juan Mata have scored one Premier League goal combined.
Right down to the vacant shirt number, Fernandes is a perfect fit for this United team, which is lacking a player of his characteristics and ability for his position.
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