Bruno Fernandes may have a hand in deciding who replaces him at Manchester United, while Marcus Rashford could benefit from a very fruitful week in Barcelona
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United gives a thumbs up
Bruno Fernandes has reportedly identified his own Manchester United replacement(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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The winds of transfer change are blowing through the walls of Old Trafford despite the lack of on-field action at Manchester United. So while fans must wait for the team to make their return to action, there's plenty to get excited about in the latest headlines.
Michael Carrick's side are currently preparing for their trip to Dublin ahead of the end-of-season run-in. United will have four days of intensive training across the Irish Sea as a means of making use of their time during a pause in the schedule.
The Red Devils have just seven games left to make their stamp on this season and tie up a top-four Premier League finish. Carrick's men return to action at home to Leeds in a week's time (April 13) and are currently just one point ahead of Aston Villa in fourth.
Looking beyond this season, however, there are developments happening that could decide dictate how next term's squad looks. And Mirror Football explores the biggest stories revolving around Old Trafford today.
Fernandes 'names his own replacement'
With captain Bruno Fernandes potentially heading for the exit this summer, there are still plenty of question marks over his successor. Speaking towards the tail end of 2025, Fernandes acknowledged the interest in his signature last summer and that he could still leave in the foreseeable future if he didn't feel he was wanted by United.
Such an influential figure would require substantial investment in terms of acquiring a replacement. And Fernandes is ready to help United in that regard after supposedly recommending a name to his current employers.
Lo and behold, that name just so happens to be his own. Or at least his namesake, that is, after The Sun reported West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes is the man Bruno has put forward as his pick to take over the reins as United's new No. 10.
Bruno was recently away on international duty with Portugal, where he shared a changing room with none other than his namesake. In fact, Mateus even replaced Bruno to make his debut in a 2-0 friendly win over the United States last Wednesday.
That changing of the guard may end up being more than symbolic if the current United skipper gets his way. His fellow Sporting CP alumnus earned a £40million move to West Ham last summer after impressing for Southampton, joining the Hammers just before deadline day.
Mateus isn't quite producing Bruno numbers in the Premier League just yet, scoring four goals and recording four assists in 34 total appearances this season. However, his consistency, work rate and versatility to play just about anywhere in midfield is enough to see where the comparisons perhaps carry some weight.
Rashford boosts Barca hopes
Marcus Rashford of Atletico de Madrid scores his team's first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano
Marcus Rashford scored in a win over Atletico Madrid to boost his chances of joining Barcelona permanently(Image: Getty Images)
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If there was any sense Marcus Rashford's potential permanent transfer to Barcelona was in peril, those fears were allayed on Saturday. That's after the Englishman put in a star performance against Atletico Madrid to keep Barca on track to retain La Liga.
Los Cules found themselves behind in Spain's capital in what could have been a disastrous result for their title chances. However, Rashford then inspired a smart move down the left side that saw his side equalise just a few minutes later.
Barca's 2-1 win over Atletico puts them seven points ahead in the title chase. The lead is that much more impressive after Real Madrid faltered at Mallorca in a 2-1 defeat.
It was recently reported Barcelona had missed the deadline to sign Rashford for the £26m fee available in his loan contract. However, it has since been claimed those assertions may have been premature.
Nonetheless, things are on the up for Rashford after netting his first league goal since January. And bagging in a game of such magnitude is sure to have gone down well with those who will be deciding his transfer fate this summer.
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