Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has come under criticism this season at times – now Ten Hag wants another No.8
(Image credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United could replace Bruno Fernandes this summer, as Erik ten Hag looks to reshape his side.
The Red Devils have enjoyed a good season so far, winning the Carabao Cup and finding themselves within reach of the top four. Bruno Fernandes has been rejuvenated at times under Ten Hag, too, enjoying a return to his best.
But with the Manchester United vice-captain coming under fire at times this season for not performing to his full potential in big games, one report has suggested that the Portuguese could be ousted from Old Trafford in Ten Hag's revolution.
Erik ten Hag is still rebuilding his Manchester United side (Image credit: Getty Images)
On Monday, David Ornstein of The Athletic confirmed in his column that United are looking for a No.8 in this midfield, noting that alongside the likes of Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Fred and the on-loan Marcel Sabitzer, Ten Hag has been lacking another top-quality midfielder.
Now, CaughtOffside have speculated that Bruno Fernandes could in fact be the player replaced in the set-up. Ten Hag has favoured a 4-2-3-1 this season – but getting rid of Bruno could facilitate a move to 4-3-3.
The Portuguese has been an incredibly influential figure within the United side since joining in January 2020, this season fitting in at No.10 but also on the right. Bruno has been a source of goals, too, for United, in a side that still lacks a killer No.9.
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Could Youri Tielemans be the answer for Manchester United's midfield? (Image credit: Getty)
Bruno Fernandes is one of United's better-paid stars and having joined for around £60 million, it's unlikely that he would leave for anything less. United would likely choose not to sell to a Premier League rival – pricing him out of many European clubs, too.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
