Manchester United reportedly strayed away from pursuit of Portuguese international Bruno Fernandes due to his “risky” playing style.
Daily Mail have revealed the reasons why Manchester United decided against pursuing a deal for Bruno Fernandes before the summer transfer window slammed shut in England last week. The Premier League heavyweights chose not to sign the Portuguese international because the scout report suggested that he takes too many risks in possession.
Bruno Fernandes has reportedly been one of the hottest properties of the summer transfer window following a spectacular 2018-19 season. The 24-year-old was one of the most potent attacking forces in the campaign, with a return of 32 goals and 18 assists in 53 appearances across all competitions to boot.
As a result, the Portuguese international has ended up being heavily linked with a move away from Sporting Lisbon this summer, with a number of high profile suitors being named in his pursuit. In particular, however, it is Manchester United who were heavily linked with him before the British window closed.
The need to bolster midfield had become apparent following the departures of Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera in the last two windows. In return, Manchester United chose not to sign any midfielder, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer placing his faith in the players already at his disposal.
In the Manchester United manager’s new style of play, Fernandes could have fit in as the no. 10, with none of Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Andreas Pereira inspiring a great deal of confidence. In signing the 24-year-old, who had also admitted to his desire to play in the Premier League, United would also have added a lot of goals to the team.
But, the reasons why the Red Devils chose not to pursue a deal for the Portuguese midfielder have now been revealed. As claimed by Daily Mail, the scout report on Fernandes suggested that he loses the ball too often to fit in Solskjaer’s style of play. Additionally, he boasts a pass completion rate of just 75.1 percent.
These two facts instantly ruled Fernandes out of contention, seeing as the Manchester United boss lays an emphasis on being reliable in possession. His solid attacking return notwithstanding, the passing numbers do make for a concerned reading, making it understandable as to why Solskjaer chose not to make a move for the player.
Having said that, Daily Mail suggest that Manchester United do remain on the lookout for midfield reinforcements to replace Herrera and Fellaini, while also being kept on their toes by Paul Pogba’s recent comments putting “question marks” over his future at Old Trafford.
As for snubbing Fernandes, only time will tell if choosing not to sign a prolific player like the Portuguese international costs Manchester United. As of now, the reasons do make some sense.
