Man Utd information: Bruno Fernandes alternative discovered as January switch battle begins
Manchester United are targeting Bruno Fernandes’ replacement following his injury, while competing with a Premier League rival for a huge signing in January
Manchester United could be looking to bolster their squad this January, with the Red Devils currently sitting in seventh place in the Premier League after their mediocre form continued against Aston Villa on Sunday.
A brace from Morgan Rodgers saw off Amorim’s side, leaving them three points adrift of fifth place. To add to their woes, Amorim will have to make do without talisman Bruno Fernandes for a while, after the United captain sustained a hamstring injury during the first half of the 2-1 defeat at Villa.
Reports suggest the skipper could be sidelined for at least a month due to a suspected soft-tissue injury sustained in the defeat to the Midlanders. As the January transfer window looms, rumours are rife that United may be planning to bring in several new players. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
United eye Fernandes replacement
Ruben Neves is a possible target for United, given Fernandes’ expected absence, reports the Mirror. United’s interest reportedly goes back to the Portuguese star’s time at Wolves.
Now plying his trade at Al-Hilal, the 28-year-old is being linked with a return to the Premier League after turning down a new contract in Saudi Arabia.
The Times has reported Al-Hilal are prepared to lose him on a free transfer in the summer. They’re reportedly willing to sell the player in January to recoup some of the £47million they shelled out in 2023.
United have long been interested in players like Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace and Carlos Baleba from Brighton. However, their hefty price tags mean that more affordable options will need to be explored this winter.
A price tag of £18m has been suggested for Neves. Yet, it’s thought the midfielder could be available for significantly less.
Regardless of whether United make a move for Neves, Amorim has cautioned the club against making any errors in the upcoming transfer window.
“We need to deal with that,” he stated. “What we cannot do is reach January and try to do everything with urgency and make mistakes again and be left saying ‘here we go again’.
On the topic of Fernandes, who nearly departed the club in the summer due to interest from Saudi Arabia, Amorim said: “I think it’s a soft-tissue injury so it’s going to be a while. He is a guy who is always fit so we hope he can recover well. We will see.”
United to compete with Man City for Antoine Semenyo
United are firmly in the running for Bournemouth star Semenyo, according to reports. However, they face stiff competition from rivals Manchester City.
United manager Amorim is believed to be a fan of the 25-year-old Ghanaian. Despite initial reports suggesting a £100m price tag on Semenyo, it has been confirmed he has a release clause of £60m, plus an additional £5m in add-ons.
The winger has had a strong season so far, with eight goals and three assists in the Premier League. He has reportedly turned down interest from Tottenham and is now weighing up whether to sign for City or United.
According to the Telegraph, Liverpool are also ready to abandon their chase for the Bournemouth forward, which could be good news for Amorim.
GiveMeSport reports Semenyo’s release clause will be available for the first 10 days of the January transfer window, starting on New Year’s Day.
United have been in direct discussions with Bournemouth about a potential move for the forward. However, it’s understood he hasn’t yet decided if he wants to leave the Cherries next month at all.
