Bruno Fernandes could leave Manchester United this summer
Bruno Fernandes could leave Manchester United this summer
To sell or not to sell. That is the question facing Manchester United if and when Al-Hilal make good on their £100million interest in club captain Bruno Fernandes and lodge and official transfer bid.
Fernandes was United's Player of the Season and in a dismal campaign, he still managed 19 goals and 20 assists across all competitions.
The 30-year-old is United's most influential player and Ruben Amorim is keen to keep Fernandes and build the team around him.
However, £100million is a lot of money in a market where United have to make sure they comply with profit and sustainability rules
Earlier this week, the Manchester Evening News confirmed that United are prepared to listen to offers for every player this summer and we also revealed Fernandes is giving serious consideration over leaving the club.
It is a huge dilemma for United but if they do decide to move on from Fernandes, they must ensure his replacement is a quality addition that can hit the ground running.
With that in mind, we have taken a look at five possible replacements United could target this summer.
Bryan Mbeumo
The Brentford forward has been outstanding this season and broke the 20 goal barrier in the Premier League this term.
Add to that the nine assists he managed for the Bees and he has proven to be one of the best goal contributors in the division.
If Amorim searches for a replacement for Fernandes in one of his two attacking midfield positions in his 3-4-2-1 system, then a move for Mbeumo is simply a no-brainer.
Brentford want at least £50million for the Cameroon international and United would face competition from Newcastle, who can offer the 25-year-old Champions League football.
Pedro Goncalves
The 26-year-old Portugal international is a player Amorim knows well having managed him at Sporting CP.
He missed a large chunk of this season through injury but bagged 18 goals and 17 assists under the United boss in Lisbon last season.
Sporting value Goncalves at £70m but it might be a price worth paying.
Eberechi Eze
Eze has just enjoyed a stellar season at Crystal Palace which culminated in the Eagles winning the FA Cup and booking their place in next season's Europa League.
The 26-year-old scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions and has long been on United's radar.
He is said to have a release clause of £60million plus add-ons and he would be a transformative signing for any Premier League side.
Rayan Cherki
United's cross city rivals Manchester City are interested in a move for the Lyon playmaker who United know all about.
Two of the 21-year-old's 12 goals this season came in either leg of United's dramatic quarter-final win over the French side in the Europa League, while he also bagged 20 assists in all competitions.
He is leaving Lyon this summer and is said to be available for between £20-25million. That appeals to City as they look to sign a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne and it should appeal to United, too.
Oihan Sancet
Sancet missed Athletic Bilbao's Europa League semi-final defeat to United and his impact on the Spanish side was sorely missed.
The Spanish international scored 17 goals in all competitions for the Basque outfit and, at 25, his best years are still ahead of him.
He is a wildcard option and would likely be expensive given he has seven years remaining on his current deal at San Mames but he is certainly a player to consider.