Man United have surely found long-term Bruno Fernandes replacement after 100% display

Manchester United sooner or later will have to accept reality and begin the search for Bruno Fernandes' long-term replacement.

The 32-year-old's new injury has sparked absolute panic back at Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick having few others with the same impact.

Matheus Cunha could move position, Mason Mount might return from injury, but nobody can replace his 31 goal contributions last season.

Finding his long-term replacements is possibly one of the most difficult tasks that the owners are being tasked with, and it won't come cheap either.

Como star Nico Paz has been linked with several other Premier League giants, including Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, unsurprisingly.

But it will be the Red Devils that need his signature the most in the coming seasons, especially if Fernandes doesn't sign a contract extension this season.

Nico Paz is a must-buy for Man United

Fernandes' current deal expires next summer, and Saudi Pro League sides are already circling for him on a free transfer.

Paz, on the other hand, decided to stay in the Serie A instead of coming to the Premier League, but that is unlikely to last long given his form.

Last season, he notched 13 goals and seven assists in 40 games, with Como eventually signing him permanently from Real Madrid.

This term, he already has four goal contributions in six games, and he's once again starring on the international stage with Argentina.

He grabbed a goal and assist in Argentina's 4-0 win over Bolivia on Thursday, 1 October, and his underlying stats are even more impressive.

In 56 minutes, he created three chances - the joint-most - one of which was big, took the most shots, and accurately delivered 100 per cent of his long balls [FotMob].

Defensively, the 22-year-old, stuck out on the right wing, made three tackles, won 75 per cent of his ground duels and 100 per cent of his aerial duels, and made two recoveries.

Could this be Bruno Fernandes' final season at Old Trafford?

As already discussed, Fernandes has entered the final 12 months of his current contract, but he clearly still has a lot to offer.

His new injury certainly throws a spanner in the works, but he is worth rehabbing if he can return to the pitch in time for United's important games.

Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider that the 32-year-old remains happy at Old Trafford, with plans now emerging to hold contract talks.

Despite his age, Fernandes is still one of the most creative players, if not the most creative, in the division, with Kevin De Bruyne no longer there.