Two new players could reap the rewards of Bruno Fernandes leaving Manchester United if he decides to move to Saudi Arabia. The midfielder is being linked with Al-Hilal, who have reportedly offered him a substantial wage. A deal that would triple his United salary is thought to be on the table ahead of the Club World Cup.
Fernandes is said to be considering his options and offered no guarantees when quizzed on his future earlier this week. Losing him would be a bitter blow to United, who need all the help they can get to avoid embarrassing themselves again next season. However, it could be great news for two players who are said to be on the club's radar.
Matheus Cunha is widely expected to join United in the coming days, with a deal having been agreed on all sides. He will need to undergo a medical at Old Trafford before the move can be officially confirmed.
United have also been linked with Bryan Mbeumo, who could leave Brentford this summer amid interest from several top clubs. Over the last few years, he has shown consistency and quality in equal measure and might be ready to step up for the Red Devils.
Both players would benefit from the change in midfield structure brought about by Fernandes leaving the club. While he is the heartbeat of the team going forward, he tends to leave gaps at the back and does not always hold his position.
A more rigid midfield pairing would help Cunha and Mbeumo to thrive as the playmakers behind a lone striker. It would give them freedom to devote themselves to attacking moves without needing to make sacrifices by tracking back, which would instead be up to the midfielders and wing-backs.
United are in desperate need of a greater threat in the final third, having scored just 44 goals in their 38 league games. They even drew a blank against an invitational side of Asian players in a post-season friendly in Kuala Lumpur this week.
A more disciplined midfield would go a long way to improving their output in the final third with a revamped attacking trio playing ahead of them.
Only time will tell if United can strike deals for both Cunha and Mbeumo between now and the start of next season. The former is pretty much guaranteed to join unless he fails a medical, which is likely to be scheduled in the coming days.
There is work to do for the Red Devils if they want to sign Mbeumo as well, though. Newcastle have also been linked with his signature and will be able to offer Champions League football to sweeten any potential deal.