On 29 January 2020 Manchester United confirmed the signing of Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon FC. Bruno had been linked with a move to the devils since the summer. The deal was finally materialized as United accepted to pay a reported fee of $68 million.
Bruno Fernandes had a breakthrough season at Sporting Lisbon last year. He scored 20 goals and assisted 13 times in the Primeira Liga. So, in the summer he attracted interest from European giants including Manchester United. For a long time, it was believed that United were the forerunners for his signature, but the deal was never agreed upon. Hence, United made Fernandes their priority this January and made sure they signed the Portuguese star.
Bruno Fernandes is a modern-day midfielder who likes to play behind the striker. His abilities are utilized the most when he is deployed in a no. 8 position. He likes to drive deep onto the pitch to receive the ball, and run at the defenses with directness. He has the ability to dribble past defenders with ease, without hindering his speed.
Bruno is a very creative player when it comes to passing. He has the ability to open defenses with a driven pass and his vision is breathtaking. While attacking Fernandes likes to play short passes with the attackers and tries to create an overload. His movements off the ball allow him to get into goal scoring positions. His finishing inside the box is lethal. Fernandes does not shy from taking shots outside the box, and more often than not, they are deadly. Fernandes as good as Pogba or Ozil on the ball, but it is his defensive skills that make him a complete midfielder.
With Paul Pogba reportedly leaving in the summer, Bruno Fernandes could not only replace him but give Manchester United much more than what the expected from Pogba. In a few years, Bruno Fernandes could become the best goalscoring midfielder in the world.