Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes is a player who often splits opinion, but there’s no denying his immense talent.
So, it’s hardly shocking to hear that Real Madrid is reportedly eyeing the Portuguese midfielder for a potential summer transfer. Despite United’s poor season, the 30-year-old has been a beacon of hope with his consistent performances.
With United lagging behind its Premier League competitors in the race for major titles, speculation around Fernandes’ future is likely to heat up again in the coming months, much like last summer. The Daily Star reported on Saturday that Madrid is keen to bring Fernandes into Carlo Ancelotti’s fold, with scouts regularly attending United’s games this season.
Fernandes inked a new contract with United just last summer, but his ambition to lift trophies could make a move to Spain too tempting to resist as United await Madrid’s next move.
While Fernandes’ skills on the pitch are rarely disputed, his body language and attitude have been scrutinised by some pundits. Ex-United skipper Roy Keane is among those who believe Fernandes should not be the team’s captain.
Keane didn’t hold back on his views about Fernandes during a recent episode of ‘The Overlap.’ When Ian Wright suggested United’s position would be worse without Fernandes’ form, Keane was incredulous, remarking: “Save us? They’re 15th in the league and he’s saving them? Praise the lord. You have to have a starting point. I go back to it all – talent is not enough. Bruno’s a talented player, but talent’s not enough.”
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As Wright tried to defend Fernandes, Keane doubled down, contrasting him with former players known for their fighting spirit: “You talk to me (about) who you were in a dressing room with. ‘Tony Adams was this,’ ‘Tony Adams was that.’ Yeah, because he was a fighter. Bruno’s not a fighter. You’ve got young players. You have to look at somebody and go ‘I like what he does.’
“They all can’t put the ball in the top of the net from 25 yards, I get that. But you want someone who is going, ‘Lads, are you with me?'”
Despite Keane’s scepticism, Ruben Amorim has been full of praise for Fernandes since taking over from Erik ten Hag. However, with United’s financial woes, a serious bid from Madrid could present a tough decision regarding Fernandes’ future at Old Trafford.
