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Man Utd target Bruno Fernandes starts for Sporting vs Setubal in fresh transfer twist
Manchester United target Bruno Fernandes is starting in midfield for Sporting Lisbon against Setubal.
Man United: Solskjaer discusses Bruno Fernandes transfer
Manchester United transfer target Bruno Fernandes is in Sporting Lisbon’s starting XI for tonight’s showdown with Setubal - potentially casting doubt over his prospective move to Old Trafford. United held talks with Sporting chiefs on Friday night as they looked to tie up a deal for Fernandes to come in and bolster Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s midfield.
However, Sporting manager Silas has called upon Fernandes from the off against Setubal as his side look to propel themselves closer to the Primeira Liga’s top three.
Players who are the subject of advanced transfer talks usually sit out games to take away the risk of them getting injured ahead of a possible switch.
But Silas will be hoping Fernandes can deliver the goods for Sporting once again as they seek to bounce back from last Sunday’s defeat to rivals Porto.
Fernandes has already scored 11 goals and provides 10 assists in all competitions for Sporting this season and that attacking output is why Solskjaer wants to get him on board.
United have endured something of a midfield crisis this season following their failure to replace Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera, who both departed in 2019.
Paul Pogba’s ongoing injury troubles have deprived them of one of the world’s top playmaking talents, while rising star Scott McTominay has joined the Frenchman in the treatment room.
United had previously been chasing Leicester’s James Maddison and Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen to help solve their woes in the middle of the park.
Leicester, though, are totally unwilling to consider Maddison leaving in January, while Eriksen appears to be edging closer to a move to the continent.
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Ajax’s Donny van de Beek was an option after being priced up at a comparatively reasonable £50m, but United are now going all out for Fernandes.
Solskjaer was in the stands to watch Fernandes against Porto last week but will not be in Setubal having managed United against Norwich earlier today.
The United boss was reluctant to speak about Fernandes after the 4-0 win, but confirmed the money is there to do a deal if the right one is in the works.
"Bruno Fernandes? I can’t talk about individuals that play for other clubs, but I’ve got to say I do have the backing," Solskjaer said.
"We do have the backing to do something if the right thing comes up in this window. The owners and Ed, they know what we’re building towards."