Bruno Fernandes: Everything you need to know about Man Utd transfer target

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By their lofty standards, Manchester United had a shocking 2018/19 season and they know things need to change if they are to be contenders next season.

They have already made some moves in this summer's transfer market and they are certainly looking to make a few more.



With full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and winger Daniel James already signed up, Portuguese international Bruno Fernandes has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

But what do we know about him? Here we take a closer look at the man who could be possibly be United's next big signing.



Who is Bruno Fernandes?
Fernandes is a 24-year-old midfielder who plays in his native Portugal with Sporting Lisbon.

Born in Maia, he began his career with Boavista, his local club. In 2012 Fernandes began his senior career with Novara Calcio, an Italian club in Serie C, Italy's third tier.



After playing in the youth sides for just several weeks, Fernandes was promoted to the club's first team in Italy's second tier Serie B, and played in just over half of the league games during the 2012/13 season helping his side to a fifth place finish and a spot in the playoffs.



In the summer of 2013, Fernandes made the switch to Udinese in a co-ownership deal.

This means that both clubs involved in the transfer have joint ownership of the player, but the player is only registered to play for one club.



The Man United target made his debut for Udinese against Inter Milan as a second-half substitute. He went on to make 95 appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals.

In 2016, Fernandes signed for Sampdoria on loan with the option for a permanent transfer.



Twelve days after his arrival the Portugese international made his debut as a late substitute in a 2-1 win over Atalanta.

He scored five goals in 35 appereances and helped the club to a tenth place finish in Serie A.



Fernandes was slowly building his experience on the pitch and following the conclusion of his loan spell, he returned to his home country to sign for Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon.

He is coming off the back of a magnificent 2018/19 season, scoring 32 goals in all competitions and winning the Portugese Cup, the Taca de Portugal and Portugese League Cup, the Taca de Liga.



International footballer?
Fernandes was called up to the international squad shortly after moving to Sporting after previously being overlooked during his time in Italy.

He scored his first goal for the club in a 3-0 victory against Algeria in a world cup warm-up match.

The 24-year-old was selected for the Portuguese 2018 World Cup squad and featured in two of Portugal's four matches in the tournament.

What sort of player is Fernandes and would he suit Man United?



Fernandes operates primarily in a central midfield role, but can also be used in an attacking midfield role.

Fernandes has shown he has pedigree in front of goal and aside from Paul Pogba, Manchester United do not possess a prolific goalscorer and it hampered them last season



Fernandes would be the ideal player to slot in alongside Pogba and with Nemanja Matic tucked in behind them, they would have the license to go forward.

The Portuguese is excellent at finding space between the lines and with a record of 38 assists in his two seasons with Sporting, he would use that space effectively to find his teammates and so his teammates can find him, especially when he is running to the edge of the box for a goalscoring opportunity.



Along with his pace to get in behind the defence, Fernandes boasts many qualities that the Red Devils are sorely lacking.

If they were to acquire his services this summer, the top four may not look like such an unrealistic target.