Manchester United transfer target and SL Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandes is “available” next year, Portuguese soccer critic Sofia Oliveira has informed CNN Portugal (h/t Express).
The 21-year-old Argentine joined the Eagles on a recent transfer from River Plate. And he quickly made his mark at the Premier League club.
Fernandes was an interesting signing for the Red Devils in the summer of 2022. But “Benfica” managed to catch him. However, the Portuguese national team is struggling to protect the young player. Some of the biggest teams in Europe are chasing Argentina national team players. In the Premier League, after “United”, “Liverpool” and “Chelsea” pay attention to the future. The 21-year-old immediately became an important member of the Roger Schmidt team.
He made 22 appearances in all competitions, providing 3 goals and 4 assists. Benfica had an extraordinary season in the Champions League. In the group consisting of ‘Paris Saint-Germain’ and ‘Juventus’, the Portuguese national team took first place. They had two draws with the Parisians and beat Juventus home and away.
Fernandez played an important role in the Eagles’ UCL campaign. The Premier League side are also unbeaten in all competitions for the 2022/23 season.
United had to part with the same squad as Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic in the summer of 2022. In the recent transfer window, he strengthened the center of the club by signing Cristina Eriksen and Casemiro.
United have continued to monitor his progress while in Europe and have followed him in recent weeks, but they are not alone in their continued interest.
Erik Ten Hag’s side pursued Frenkie de Jong for several months and eventually signed Casemiro from Real Madrid after failing to sign a deal in the summer. Manchester United’s interest in the Dutchman continues but it is understood his side will reassess the situation at the end of the season before deciding what to do next.
United have few chances to throw the ball in from central midfield and rely heavily on Christian Eriksen’s creativity from deeper positions, but his defensive skills have also been questioned this season.
Scott McTominay and Fred are other midfield options, but there are clear limitations and midfield is an area United are looking to address in the upcoming transfer market.
However, both the Danish and Brazilian stars are over 30 years old. Fernandes is still young and has shown that he can be a versatile and sophisticated midfielder. So the Old Trafford team is good to invest in the future.