Bruno Fernandes could leave United, Sporting gem lined up | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes, approaching 32 years of age, has a contract valid until June 2027, with an option for a further year. The Portuguese player, one of the most influential members of the Manchester United squad, has no guarantee whatsoever that he will remain at the club, given the approaching transfer window.

With this in mind, the red devils are already analysing a succession plan and, according to British newspaper The Telegraph, Mateus Fernandes, another Portuguese player with a past at Sporting, is the name most appealing to the Manchester hierarchy, especially if West Ham’s relegation to the second tier of English football is confirmed.

With three matches to go, the team managed by Portuguese coach Nuno Espírito Santo currently sits in 18th place in the Premier League, immediately below the relegation line, one point behind Tottenham. The London side want to keep the Sporting academy product, for whom they paid Southampton around €44 million in 2025, but a possible relegation will make that mission practically impossible.

However, as the British newspaper notes, Mateus Fernandes is not alone on the succession shortlist. Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, and Sandro Tonali of Newcastle are other names being considered by the Old Trafford hierarchy.

The red devils want to keep Bruno Fernandes, but the final decision will be up to the Portuguese international.

Manuel Ugarte, another player who spent time at Sporting, could also be nearing the end of his time at the club, as since the departure of Ruben Amorim and the arrival of the current coach, Michael Carrick, the midfielder has been losing his place in the team.

It should also be noted that Manchester United, with 64 points, are in third place in the Premier League. With Champions League qualification already secured, the red devils’ objective for next season will be to strengthen the squad to compete on all fronts.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.