Over the last 13 years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure from Manchester United, the club have massively failed to identify a replacement who can provide the success desired in the Premier League.
The same feeling may be felt around Old Trafford this summer should club captain Bruno Fernandes be allowed to depart the Red Devils and move onto pastures new.
The 31-year-old was hugely linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last summer, but rejected interest in favour of staying in Manchester for another 12 months at least.
bruno-fernandes-man-utd
He’s since cemented his place as the club’s most influential player this term, as seen with his staggering tally of 17 assists in the Premier League to date.
However, a sale could once again be on the cards for the Portuguese international during the off-season, which could present the hierarchy with the prospect of having to identify a replacement.
Man Utd enter talks to sign Premier League sensation
Over the last couple of months, United have been credited with an interest in landing Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson during the summer transfer window.
The Reds are said to be demanding a fee in the region of £100m for the Englishman this summer, with the Red Devils still keen on a deal to land his signature.
Elliot Anderson for Nottingham Forest-1
However, they aren’t alone in the race for his services at present, with Manchester City also keen on landing the 23-year-old during the upcoming transfer window.
Anderson is more of a deep-lying option for the Red Devils, with Morgan Rogers seen as more of a number ten and potential replacement for Bruno this summer.
According to Sky Sports, United have already entered talks with Aston Villa over a deal to land the 23-year-old when the transfer window opens in a few months time.
The report also states that the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are also keen on the attacking midfielder, who’s registered 13 goal contributions this term.
morgan-rogers-aston-villa-premier-league
Like Anderson, any deal for the England international would likely be a pricey one, as Unai Emery’s side have placed a £90m fee on the youngster’s head.
Why Rogers would be the perfect Bruno replacement for United
As previously mentioned, Bruno has been the shining light for United this campaign, with his figures massively demonstrating how crucial he is to the side.
He has the most combined goals and assists of any player in the squad throughout 2025/26, with his underlying stats further highlighting his importance to the senior ranks.
Bruno Fernandes
The 31-year-old has created 106 chances in the Premier League - the most of any player in the division - and a tally 65 higher than any other player in the squad.
Bruno’s talent in possession is further reflected in his tally of 4.2 long balls completed per 90 - a figure that is also the highest of any player in the senior ranks.
However, his potential departure from Old Trafford would no doubt be a concern for the supporters, with the club losing their biggest creator and most influential talent.
A move for Rogers would certainly help plug the gap left by the Portuguese international, but he will no doubt need time to settle into the role and have the same impact as Fernandes.
morgan-rogers-aston-villa-premier-league
At just 23, he’s already become one of the Premier League’s biggest talents, with his own stats proving why he could be the perfect player to replace the United captain.
Rogers, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by journalist Graeme Bailey, has created 1.3 chances per 90, with 0.3 of which being defined as big chances.
Morgan Rogers - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Big chances created
Dribbles completed
Tackles made
Ground duels won
The latter of the two figures ranks him in the top 20% of all attackers in the league, which proves he’s capable of stepping up to the plate and providing the goods for the Red Devils.
He’s also completed 1.2 dribbles per 90 and found a teammate with 79% of the passes he’s attempted this term - reaffirming his incredible ability with the ball at his feet.
Morgan Rogers for Aston Villa
However, without the ball, Rogers has also demonstrated a workmanlike style, which is something which Bruno has consistently done during his six years in Manchester.
The Villa star has made 1.1 tackles per 90 this term, whilst also winning 4.3 ground duels per 90 - which could make him a huge asset for the Red Devils in and out of possession.
Losing Bruno would be a huge blow for the club this summer, with the workload of the recruitment team undoubtedly increasing tenfold should he move on to pastures new.
However, a move for Rogers could well prove to be the best solution for United, especially if he can reach the next level in his development upon any move to Old Trafford.
£90m would be a huge figure for the 23-year-old, but it’s one that could allow the club to find their next leading attacking star for at least the next decade.
Manuel Ugarte for Manchester United Related
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