Man United have ‘perfect’ Bruno Fernandes replacement lined up as £100m Saudi deal looms
Bruno Fernandes’ future at Man United has been up in the air since he turned down a move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal during the summer.
Fernandes opted to remain at Man United in an attempt to turn around their recent fortunes as the club captain, despite last season’s 15th-placed finish.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed in August that Ruben Amorim was determined to keep Fernandes as he remained a crucial part of his plans for the future.
Both parties’ desire for him to remain at Old Trafford has done little to deter the interest, however, with Saudi clubs now plotting a fresh move for his signature.
This comes as Football Insider revealed on 15 September that Fernandes could be tempted to leave Man United with a potential £100million offer on the cards.
Kobbie Mainoo seen as Man United’s Bruno Ferandes replacement
Man United see Kobbie Mainoo as being ready to step into the squad in place for Fernandes and are lining him up as the Portuguese midfielder’s natural successor.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during the club’s most successful period, as he exclusively told Football Insider that United are planning for Mainoo to make the step up.
This comes after Amorim controversially confirmed Mainoo and Fernandes are fighting for a starting XI place amid questions about the England international’s future.
“There is a possibility that Fernandes could leave Man United,” Brown told Football Insider.
“The question then will be focused on who they could get in as a replacement, how much it might cost them and whether they will be as good as he is.
“Now, they’ll always struggle to find somebody as good as Bruno, I have no faith in them to do that, but I think work is already ongoing to find that player.
“It seems to me like Mainoo is being lined up as the perfect choice to step into his place, because the manager has been clear that he sees them as competition for the same role.
“Man United are reluctant to let Mainoo leave, they see him as part of the long-term future of the club in that starting XI, and that might be his chance.
“Everybody knows how talented it is, and the way he has been treated and cast aside is shocking, but if Bruno was to leave, that space would open up.“
That is despite questions surrounding Mainoo’s long-term future at United, with suggestions he could leave given his lack of playing time so far this season.
Man United will not sanction Mainoo exit
As a result of United’s long-term plans for Mainoo to replace Fernandes at Old Trafford, they are not willing to entertain any talk about his potential exit.
Football Insider revealed on 19 September that Man United will not let Mainoo leave, depsite suggestions he could push for a move to Newcastle.
The midfielder asked to leave United on loan during the transfer window in search of increased playing time, but his exit was blocked as he remains part of the squad.
Brown told Football Insider on 23 September that Amorim would be open to losing Mainoo, but the club will not allow him to leave and are at loggerheads over the decision.
However, it is highly unlikely that he will be allowed to leave, with plans in place for him to become more of a regular feature in the club’s first-team plans.
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