United’s pursuit of Bruno Fernandes is ongoing, with BBC Sport confirming talks have taken place.
Fernandes would be a big addition to United, and would immediately command a starting spot in the attacking midfield role.
This would be bad news for current options Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira. But they have had enough chances and have not proven to be prolific enough.
Fernandes’ potential arrival overall would be a big positive for United, and benefits the majority of his teammates.
Here is a look at three who stand to benefit the most…
Paul Pogba
When he is actually fit, Paul Pogba is United’s main creative force. Last season he managed 10 assists.
Fernandes’ arrival makes United less predictable and lessens the burden on the Frenchman.
He should also open up more space for Pogba with defences paying the Portuguese star more attention.
Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola said United need to support the star more and said the team must compete for trophies for his client to want to stay [Sky Sports News]. Fernandes signing would be a step in the right direction.
If the Frenchman is adamant he wants to leave in the summer, it becomes easier for United to let him go if there is a top creative star already signed.
Anthony Martial
It stands to reason that United’s number nine should be in line to benefit from Fernandes joining.
The Portuguese star has 10 assists already for Sporting this season and Martial can become a direct beneficiary.
Martial is averaging 2.5 shots per game in the Premier League, which have led to eight goals.
He has landed 69 per cent of his shots on target, a higher rate than any United player including Mason Greenwood (66 per cent).
Fernandes can help provide Martial more chances, and see him become even more lethal.
Marcus Rashford
Rashford is enjoying a dream season, netting 19 goals so far. He is becoming United’s talisman, but there is a lot of pressure on him, especially with Pogba out injured.
Fernandes’ arrival would reduce the pressure on Rashford a lot, and that will help him out, to play a bit more freely.
There have even been comparisons to Rashford’s growth and style of play to Cristiano Ronaldo.
Fernandes plays with Ronaldo for Portugal and this may help his link up with Rashford too, being used to playing with a goalscoring forward who likes to cut in from the left.
A successful Fernandes and Rashford link up will make United an even more dangerous attacking force than the team is at present.
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