Amid concerns that Real Madrid are plotting a move to sign Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on signing an impressive midfielder who could replace their star man.
Man Utd eye playmaker amid Fernandes links to Real Madrid
The last thing that the Red Devils need is for Fernandes to head for the exit door, no matter how much his captaincy divides opinion at Old Trafford. Without their star man, it wouldn’t be absurd to suggest that Manchester United would be concerningly close to the relegation zone given that they’ve only managed to drag themselves to mid-table whilst enjoying his talents.
It’s those same talents that have reportedly attracted the attention of Real Madrid and whilst Ruben Amorim was defiant in his message that Fernandes is set to stay put at Old Trafford, what the Spanish giants want they often get – just ask those at Anfield.
The United boss told reporters when asked about the Madrid links: “Bruno Fernandes to Real Madrid? It will not happen. He’s going nowhere. One day we want to win the Premier League again. So we want the best players to continue with us… and Bruno won’t leave, I already told him.”
Nonetheless, it seems as though the Red Devils are planning for the worst. According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are now eyeing a move to sign Mikkel Damsgaard from Brentford if Fernandes swaps Old Trafford for the Bernabeu this summer.
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The impressive Dane has rediscovered his best form under Thomas Frank this season and is finally looking like the youngster who initially stole the headlines at Euro 2020. Now, five years on from that tournament, Fernandes’ potential exit could trigger the biggest move of Damsgaard’s career yet.
"Fantastic" Damsgaard can become chief creator
As much as replacing Fernandes would feel like mission impossible, Manchester United are certainly looking in the right direction in setting their sights on Damsgaard. Whilst the Dane would struggle to replicate their captain’s goalscoring record, he has proven time and time again this season that his eye for an assist is up there with the best in the Premier League.
Mohamed Salah
17
Mikkel Damsgaard
10
Antonee Robinson
9
Bruno Fernandes
9
Son Heung-Min
9
Earning deserved praise as a result of that impressive record, Frank told reporters when asked about Damsgaard following victory over Leicester City earlier this season: “He just got better and better.
“Today he was fantastic in every way possible. He had another performance and also did an assist. He ties our team and games together amazingly. It’s cool to see.”
As INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe aim to cut costs around the club, signing an option like Damsgaard over the more expensive Xavi Simons would also go a long way towards finally dragging United out of their financial woes. At this stage, however, the ball is very much in Fernandes’ court before United can even consider the Brentford star.