Man Utd’s potential Geovany Quenda alternative has just won an award in Portugal amid Ruben Amorim interest

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Manchester United have missed out on the signing of Geovany Quenda but could head back to the Portuguese market for an alternative.

The summer transfer window is still a couple of months away from opening, but the speculation is already ramping up.

Reports this week suggest that Manchester United are interested in signing Hugo Ekitike with the Eintracht Frankfurt striker impressing in the Bundesliga.

Xavi Simons is also on United’s radar with options in the final third wanted – both in terms of attacking midfielders and strikers.

United will also be in the market for wing backs but have seen Geovany Quenda choose to sign for Chelsea instead.

Quenda was a top target for United as Ruben Amorim aimed to reunite with the wonderkid, but the Sporting talent has slipped through the net.

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Manchester United target Roger Fernandes wins award

United will remain in the hunt for wing back talents and may even remain in the Portuguese market.

United In Focus understands that United are interested in signing Braga’s Roger Fernandes and picked him out as a Quenda alternative before his Chelsea move.

19-year-old Fernandes has hit five goals and five assists in all competitions this season whilst predominantly playing as a winger.

Fernandes has though played as a wing back on both the left and right flanks, leaving United to consider him for Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 tactics.

The Braga talent has now clinched an award having been voted as the Young Player of the Month in Portugal’s top flight.

Two goals and one assist in February handed Fernandes the award by a small margin.

Fernandes beat Estrela da Amadora’s Diogo Travassos and Famalicao’s Gustavo Sa to the award for February, as noted by A Bola.

Fernandes is currently out injured but it’s clear that his performances are turning heads in Portugal – and may well sum up why United want him.

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Manchester United must wing more wing back options

Amorim will be well aware of Fernandes from his time in Portugal but must have other targets in mind, just in case United are beaten to his signature – just as was the case with Quenda.

Strikers and attacking midfielders are vital to United’s summer transfer plans but wing backs must be in the mix too.

United signed Patrick Dorgu in January and will hope that the Dane grows to become the club’s left wing back of the future.

Diogo Dalot’s availability is a boost on the right side but it’s clear that United want a young talent to develop in that area too.

Quenda fit that bill but so does Fernandes – and similar targets must be in mind as the transfer window nears.

We have suggested Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa as a possible alternative with United needing to pivot from Quenda fairly quickly in order to prepare for the summer.