Regardless of any other player arrivals at Manchester United this summer, the most significant news likely revolves around Bruno Fernandes. The influential captain has stated his desire to remain at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old, who recently helped Portugal secure Nations League victory, has reportedly rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia (including an estimated €25m per season from Al-Hilal) to stay under Ruben Amorim`s management and remain a key player.
While there might be questions about the former Sporting CP star`s long-term position in Amorim`s 3-4-3 formation, having played both central midfield and number ten roles, there is no doubt that United are a stronger team with him included.
His contribution of 38 goals and assists in all competitions last season speaks volumes. This tally significantly surpassed any other player in Amorim`s squad, with Amad and Alejandro Garnacho finishing tied for second place with 21 goal involvements each.
Fernandes consistently delivers strong performances each season. Now is the opportunity to build a team around him capable of competing for major trophies. Encouragingly, it appears this work is already in progress.
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Matheus Cunha has already arrived, joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £62.5m. Brentford`s Bryan Mbeumo seems to be the next target, with a second bid for the 25-year-old reportedly being prepared.
The anticipated move of Thomas Frank to Tottenham Hotspur could potentially complicate the Mbeumo transfer, although earlier reports suggested that United was the winger`s preferred destination, especially after he scored 20 Premier League goals in the 2024/25 season.
The final piece of the attacking puzzle could be the addition of Sporting`s Viktor Gyokeres. Reports from Spain suggest that INEOS is ready to make an offer for the prolific Swedish forward.
Indeed, the reports indicate that United are prepared to go “all out” to sign the 27-year-old, willing to submit a bid of approximately £60m to secure him.
It is believed that discussions are at an advanced stage, and there is optimism at Old Trafford that an agreement between the two clubs can be reached soon, following prior reports that Gyokeres himself is open to the move.
The opportunity for Amorim to reunite with his 6`2″ prolific goalscorer seems too good to pass up, especially after missing out on Liam Delap, who joined Chelsea. It`s an exciting prospect to imagine how Gyokeres could flourish with Fernandes playing behind him.
Why Gyokeres Could Thrive With Bruno Fernandes
Hailed as the `hottest striker in Europe` by ESPN`s Mark Ogden, Gyokeres may already be approaching world-class status, having netted an impressive 97 goals in just 102 games for Sporting Lisbon, including six goals in eight Champions League appearances last season.
However, the standard of the Portuguese top flight means there are still doubts about whether he is truly among Europe`s elite centre-forwards. The Primeira Liga is ranked just the seventh best league globally, behind Brazil`s Serie A.
It will be interesting to see if a player who did not feature in the Premier League during his time at Brighton and Hove Albion or Coventry City can transfer his recent success to England`s top tier. United are in desperate need of a successful striker signing, especially after Rasmus Hojlund managed only four league goals in the 2024/25 season.
But fear not – enter, Fernandes.
If anyone can help Gyokeres thrive, it is the Red Devils captain. The experienced playmaker possesses a remarkable ability to unlock defenses, consistently creating chances and providing assists in recent years.
Indeed, Fernandes finished last season having created the most chances in the Premier League for the third consecutive year. He also created 16 `big chances`, even though he recorded `only` ten assists.
