Bruno Fernandes 2.0: INEOS start talks to sign £69m talent for Man Utd

Manchester United’s fanbase have endured a two-year drought without Champions League football at Old Trafford, but such a record will come to an end next term.

Michael Carrick’s superb tenure as temporary manager has allowed the Red Devils to secure a place in the Premier League’s top five – a once-unthinkable prospect under Ruben Amorim.

Europe’s elite will once again be stepping out at the Theatre of Dreams, which could see the loyal supporters in Manchester handed more memories to last a lifetime.

It still remains unclear as to whether Carrick will be handed the managerial role on a permanent basis, with such a decision set to be made over the coming weeks.

One thing is for certain though, with the hierarchy expected to be busy in the transfer market to get the squad ready-made for a fresh push for top-flight title glory.

Man Utd open talks to sign £69m star this summer

Despite the window not opening until early June, United have already been linked with a whole host of players who could improve the senior squad at Old Trafford.

AFC Bournemouth star Eli Kroupi Junior is just one player who’s appeared on their radar, after netting 12 times in the Premier League during his debut campaign with the Cherries.

A hefty sum would be required to land the Frenchman, with Andoni Iraola’s men said to be demanding a fee in the region of £100m for his signature.

Kroupi isn’t the only player who’s popped up as a potential transfer target, with Sporting CP star Maxi Araujo once again being touted with a switch to England this summer.

According to A Bola via Sport Witness, the Red Devils have already held exploratory talks with the left-back’s agents over the possibility of summer transfer.

The report also states that fellow English sides Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have also emerged as potential suitors for the 26-year-old ahead of the window.

Any deal would likely be an expensive one for any interested party, with the Portuguese outfit demanding €80m (£69m) to sell the Uruguayan international.

Why Araujo would be United’s next Bruno Fernandes

A huge part of United’s success in recent months has been down to the form of captain Bruno Fernandes, who has once again led by example at the heart of the side.

The Portuguese international, who joined from Sporting CP back in January 2020, has registered 19 assists in the Premier League this term – the most of any player in the division.

He’s now just two assists away from breaking the league’s all-time seasonal record, which further highlights the success he’s endured within the final third this term.

Fernandes has registered nine combined goal contributions in as many league outings, with the Portuguese international playing a crucial role in the club’s ability to secure Champions League football.

The 31-year-old has certainly developed into a world-class talent and has become a player many teams across wish they had within at their disposal on a consistent basis.

However, the hierarchy have the perfect opportunity to land their next version of the midfielder with a move to Araujo when the window opens in early June.

Whilst the full-back operates in a different role to the United number eight, he would emulate the Portuguese star in moving to Old Trafford directly from Sporting CP.

His defensive role hasn’t stopped him from producing some impressive attacking numbers this campaign – as seen by his tally of 11 combined goals and assists across all competitions.

Like Fernandes, Araujo has caught the eye with his creativity in attacking areas, subsequently registering 1.2 chances created per 90 – placing him in the 10% of defenders in Europe this season.

Whilst quality going forward is vital for a full-back at Old Trafford, they also need to be a quality option out of possession – something which the Uruguayan has demonstrated this term.

He’s won a staggering 6.3 ground duels per 90 this campaign – also ranking him in the top 10% in Europe – whilst achieving a duel success rate of 52%.

The 26-year-old, who’s been labelled “explosive” by one analyst, has come out on top in 2.1 of the tackles he’s entered per 90 in the Liga Portugal, subsequently making an impressive 4.8 ball recoveries per 90.

Araujo’s talent at both ends of the pitch could make him the perfect full-back for United in 2026/27 – not to mention also possessing key Champions League experience.

£69m would be a mammoth investment, but one that could turn out to be a bargain should he emulate the levels produced by Bruno after his own move from Sporting.