Manchester United target midfield sensation tipped to succeed Bruno Fernandes

Al-Hilal are looking to make Bruno Fernandes their number one transfer target for the summer and are apparently preparing an ‘eye-watering’ offer to convince the Portuguese star to leave Old Trafford. Manchester United know that the Saudi club’s interest in the 30-year-old is increasing, and they have already identified two potential replacements, one of which is Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães. Fichajes states that Aston Villa want €50 million (£42 million) for Youri Tielemans—who is expected to be a giant in European football—so a costly but serious option for United’s summer planning.

No player can replace Bruno at the helm

It would be rather improbable to make a list of the best players to walk through the doors of Old Trafford since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, without including Bruno Fernandes close to the top, if not number one. His impact has been immense, it is hard to picture where the club would be in relation to him. But time catches up with everyone, including Bruno.

On the other hand, Youri Tielemans has already had a noticeable rise in value since making a free transfer to Aston Villa from Leicester City, ahead of the 2023 season. The Belgian midfielder has changed under Unai Emery at Villa, amassing fifty-two appearances across competitions so far this season, along with five goals and 10 assists, five of which have come in the Champions League. He has a contract with Villa Park until June 2027, and just over two-years remaining on his now four-year contract.

With Christian Eriksen on the verge of leaving, and Casemiro expected to join him, Manchester United has a lot of work to do in the engine room of the team. Bruno Fernandes does not seem likely to be leaving anytime soon, but he does need a more balanced and progressive player to be a part of. In that regard, Youri Tielemans would be the ideal pick to replace Eriksen – as he is composed, controlled, and is able to dictate the tempo of games. During a much-needed period of rebuilding for the summer, players like Tielemans will be important signings to help rebuild some rhythm and a sense of direction in the centre of United’s midfield.