The upcoming summer transfer window is shaping up to be a defining one for Ruben Amorim`s future as Manchester United manager. His tenure thus far has not unfolded as hoped, marked by an equal number of wins and losses – 17 from 42 matches – which culminated in the club`s disappointing 15th-place Premier League finish.
Therefore, recruitment activity during this chaotic transfer window must be precise. The acquisition of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, despite recent underperformance, offers a potential boost. However, this positive news is quickly overshadowed by reports suggesting the potential departure of Manchester United icon, Bruno Fernandes. Nevertheless, his exit could be immediately addressed by bringing in a dynamic replacement.
Man Utd Targets Fernandes Replacement
The potential departure of Bruno Fernandes is a significant concern, especially given his contribution of 19 goals and assists in the Premier League last season, despite the team`s poor league standing.
However, Amorim and the club could quickly recover from Fernandes` potential move to Al-Hilal if they successfully sign Sporting star Pedro Goncalves. A recent report from A Bola, via Sport Witness, suggests he is being considered as a direct replacement. The report indicates that the Red Devils are “considering making an offer” for the 26-year-old. Any potential move would likely accelerate if Fernandes departs, but it`s not entirely dependent on his exit.
Selling the experienced United number eight for a significant fee to Al-Hilal would provide the necessary funds to meet Goncalves` €80m (£67m) release clause, which Sporting would require for his transfer.
Goncalves vs. Amad: A Comparison
Signing the exciting “creative force,” a label used by football analyst Ben Mattinson, wouldn`t solely be about filling the void left by Fernandes. The former Wolves player is also adept on the left or right flank, potentially offering a more effective option in wide areas compared to another promising United talent, Amad Diallo.
Goncalves will be eager to prove himself in England after his previous less successful spell at Wolves. He has already shown his quality with a stunning goal against Arsenal in 2023.
Amad has also overcome challenges at Old Trafford, contributing 11 goals and ten assists last season despite the team`s struggles. However, the “incredible” Goncalves, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, boasts superior career statistics from his time in Lisbon, suggesting he might outperform the Ivorian on the wings or as a number ten.
| Goncalves` Goal/Assist Numbers for Sporting by Position | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position Played | Games Played | Goals Scored | Assists |
| LW | 98 | 28 | 34 |
| RW | 55 | 34 | 9 |
| CM | 36 | 18 | 12 |
| SS | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| AM | 3 | 1 | 0 |
The table highlights Goncalves` versatility, showcasing an impressive 30 goal contributions (18 goals, 12 assists) from 36 central midfield appearances, in addition to 105 combined goal contributions from playing on both wings for Sporting. In contrast, Amad, who is still developing early in his career, has a total of 26 goal contributions while wearing a Red Devils shirt. This suggests that Amad might see reduced first-team opportunities if the Bruno-esque target arrives at the club.
