“I think he’s underrated.” These are the words of James Maddison, speaking on Monday Night Football last week, in reference to the ever-reliable Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes.
It’s almost a crime that some continue to overlook the Portuguese’s quality, with Maddison defending what a genius he truly is, as was evident at Old Trafford last time out.
After his double and delightful assist at Molineux, the 31-year-old followed it up with another goal and assist in the 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, ensuring that only Erling Haaland (20) has registered more goals than his 12 in the Premier League this season.
Arguably the playmaker’s best moment of the campaign came in that wild encounter with the Cherries, scoring a perfect free-kick into the roof of the net to battle it out at the home side’s level.
If it wasn’t already clear, Monday showed how, while perhaps not in his preferred position, Fernandes remains a figure United should build around, rather than looking to move on.
Indeed, as Ruben Amorim appears to want to do, the Red Devils simply need to find a suitable, long-term partner for that midfield duo.
Amorim leads Man Utd’s pursuit of former Premier League star
Midfielder. Midfielder. Midfielder. There appears to be no doubt about United’s priority heading into 2026, although links persist over the club’s interest in Cherries star Antoine Semenyo.
Kobbie Mainoo, who is yet to start a Premier League game this season, appears to be closer to leaving than staying put, while Manuel Ugarte – who didn’t even come off the bench last time out – is also already on borrowed time at the Theater of Dreams.
Fernandes’ current partner Casemiro is approaching the final six months of his contract, so a suitable successor is being touted, in the form of Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and co.
Clearly, there is a desire to invest in a long-term, high-potential talent, although there are reports that Amorim would like to take the route of experience, acquiring a more left-field, proven figure in the Premier League.
According to reports in Spain, the Portuguese is spearheading the club’s interest in former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Ruben Neves, with the 28-year-old’s current contract with Al-Hilal set to expire next summer.
Although the Saudi side is in no rush to sell, this expiring deal could allow Amorim and co to strike a deal in January, or secure a pre-contract agreement for the summer.
Why Man Utd could target another Fernandes
Had things gone differently, Fernandes might well have lined up alongside his Portuguese colleague, Neves, at Al Hilal, with the United captain speaking openly about his summer discussions with the Pro League side.
Heading into January, the compatriots could well form a new midfield duo in Manchester, should Amorim get his wish, with the chance to sign Neves at a bargain price an opportunity seemingly too good to turn down.
Fernandes’ potential partner, the former Wolves hero could well be something of a replica of his international colleague, having been a talismanic figure himself at Molineux.
Recruited from Porto ahead of Wolves’ promotion season in 2017/18, the action star enjoyed six successful years with the Old Gold, scoring 30 goals in 253 games for the club in all competitions.
Although he is not prolific, like Fernandes, he has a real talent for the spectacular, regularly striking from distance in what has almost become a trademark. Indeed, 12 of his first 15 efforts came from outside the 18-year-old box.
Fernandes, as was evident on Monday night, is a master from distance himself, sharing the spoils with new teammate Matheus Cunha last season when it comes to goals scored by Premier League players from outside the box.
Also like Fernandes, Neves’ quality has perhaps not always garnered rave reviews or glowing praise, with analyst Raj Chohan even suggesting last November that he was the “most underrated player in world football” in recent years.
|
Neves – The last two PL seasons |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (*per match) |
22/23 |
21/22 |
|
Games |
35 |
33 |
|
Goals |
6 |
4 |
|
Aids |
1 |
2 |
|
Big chances created |
1 |
3 |
|
Key passes* |
0.9 |
0.8 |
|
Success accuracy* |
84% |
84% |
|
Total duels won* |
53% |
48% |
|
Dribble* |
1.2 |
1.9 |
|
Lost possession* |
12.0 |
12.6 |
|
Statistics via Sofascore |
||
Of course, this could have been caused by his move away from the limelight after heading to Saudi Arabia in 2023, although he remains a fixture of the national team under Roberto Martinez, the 63-cap sensation should not be written off or ignored.
Also in his final season in the Premier League (2022/23), Neves notably ranked in the top 20% of midfielders for progressive passes, top 16% for total shots and top 14% for interceptions, according to FBref, with two of the five players most statistically similar to him being considered Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.
He may not be a long-term signing, although, like Fernandes before him, the 5ft 11in ace could hit the ground running at Old Trafford, proving the midfield solution United have long needed.
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