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it may not be retro Bruno Fernandez This season, however, even so, Manchester United Captain is still a heartbeat Ruben AmorimThat was evident again Monday night.
The 31-year-old was arguably the decisive factor against an undoubtedly underperforming Wolves, scoring two of his own and providing a superb assist for Mason Mount’s third for United.
Two missed penalties earlier in the season may have highlighted his declining standards, although Fernandes remains third Premier League In the 2025/26 season, he once again leads the team in goals and assists, as well as the number of chances created (45).
The Portugal star was expected to repeat his heroics from last season, when he failed to find the back of the net before Ruud van Nistelrooy took over on temporary duty, but overcame a slow start to go on to score 38 goals and assists in all competitions.
Suitable for the midfield number two role or not, the former Sporting CP playmaker remains so influential on United’s fortunes – but what will happen if the club plays without him?
The latest news on Manchester United’s search for midfielder
It’s worth noting that Fernandes, speaking ahead of his 300th United appearance earlier this season, gave no hint that he was considering a move away from Old Trafford, having publicly discussed his decision to turn down a move to Saudi side Al Hilal in the summer.
However, there is no £300,000 per week The sensational comments put an end to any talk of his long-term future once and for all, with him relaying that he would not discuss any potential plans until after the World Cup, with just 18 months left on his current contract.
It has been suggested that Ineos could even seeking to cash out Their magic weapon is to help fund a midfield overhaul for 2026, with potential replacements appearing to be on the radar.
With this in mind, spanish report The Red Devils are claimed to be among the clubs seeking a move for Real Madrid star Arda Guler, with Arsenal and Liverpool also being considered.
The report suggests United have “accelerated initial contacts” over a possible takeover, with the 20-year-old’s “versatility” considered a selling point for Amorim and Co.
It remains to be seen whether the La Liga giants are willing to offload the Turkish starlet, although previous reports suggested he could Fees of approximately £88 million were charged.
Why Gule could be the perfect successor to Fernandez
This is the epitome of Bruno Fernandes’ genius.
The midfielder, who was sent off at Molineux just over a year ago, picked up the ball outside the Wolves penalty area and picked out Mount with a stunning smash pass on the back of two creative assists at Selhurst Park late last month.
Even when not at his free-flowing best, this great talent can still unlock defenses instantly and possess a level of creativity that few in the global game can match.
Therefore, it seems almost impossible, if not impossible, to find a successor for such a figure, but Guler would be a very worthy choice, he is known as “The best CM/AM prospect in world football right now“Author Neil Gardner.
The praise is not without merit, as Como’s Nico Paas is the only Under-21 attacking midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues to have scored more goals and assists (10) than Guler this season, according to Transfermarkt.
The main beneficiary of Xabi Alonso’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu, the rising star has already scored 10 goals and assisted in 22 games this season, the same number as Fernandes in Manchester.
Like Fernandez, the former Fenerbahçe man has the flexibility to operate in a more advanced position or out wide, although he has shone in a slightly deeper position of late, averaging 2.3 key passes per game and creating eight “super chances” in La Liga this season, according to Sofascore.
For context, back at United, Fernandes created seven “great chances” and despite averaging three key passes per game, both represented the creative heart of their respective teams.
Interestingly, according to FBref, the Red Devils skipper is considered the fifth midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues most similar to Gule, in terms of style and statistics, which further proves why the Madrid man could fill a possible gap in Amorim’s future squad.
|
Fernandez vs Guler – key stats |
||
|---|---|---|
|
State (per 90 people) |
||
|
non-penalty goal |
0.18 |
0.20 |
|
Assist |
0.31 |
0.41 |
|
Create the action of the shot |
6.40 |
6.08 |
|
Completed by |
76.3% |
85.4% |
|
progressive pass |
9.67 |
7.91 |
|
progressive carry |
2.18 |
2.00 |
|
Successfully undertaken |
0.71 |
1.06 |
|
Touching the ball in the opponent’s penalty area |
2.65 |
2.94 |
|
Receive Prog Pass |
3.45 |
5.43 |
|
Statistics via FBref |
||
As mentioned above, the pair have enjoyed particularly similar records over the past 365 days in terms of assists, shot chances created, improved passes per 90 seconds and improved ball possession, all key attributes for a midfielder who organizes attacks in the grand scheme of things.
Creating the shot is the piece of play that leads to the shot. These include moments such as a pass, a catch or a foul.
Indeed, United have rarely seen a team without Fernandes, such is his exceptional reliability and availability, although should he one day choose to move on to pastures new, Guler would certainly be at the top of the list of replacements.
Poaching him from the Spanish capital may not be easy, and although Alonso’s position at Real Madrid appears to be under threat, now may be the time to pounce.
