FINALLY DONE: Arsenal has just completed another heavy-transfer as the Gunners finally break the bank to make 27-year-old striker the most expensive signing in Premier League history
Bruno Fernandes has been the shining light in the Manchester United squad throughout the 2024/25 campaign, with it unimaginable to think where they’d be without his contributions.
The Portuguese international managed to notch 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions, helping the side reach the Europa League final.
His tally of 18 contributions in the Premier League was the most of any player in the squad, with such a tally potentially keeping Ruben Amorim’s side in the division.
The Red Devils managed to finish 17 points above the relegation zone, unable to produce the levels needed to be a success in England’s top-flight throughout 2024/25.
However, if the side are to rise up the table next season, the hierarchy will have to back the manager in his quest, handing him the funds to be a success at Old Trafford.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Numerous areas of the pitch will need to be the subject of investment, with Amorim’s United side desperately craving added quality and depth at Old Trafford.
Ollie Watkins, Ronald Araujo and Wilfried Ndidi have all been mentioned as potential targets, highlighting the desire of the manager to improve all departments of the squad.
However, a new name has been mentioned in the last couple of days, with PSG star Fabian Ruiz linked with a move to join the Red Devils, according to Foot Mercato.
The report claims that Amorim’s outfit are battling numerous Saudi Arabian sides for the signature of the Spaniard, who won the Champions League at the end of last season.
It also states that the French outfit don’t want to sell the 29-year-old this window, with boss Luis Enrique seeing the former Napoli star as a key part of his plans ahead of 2025/26.
Why United’s latest target would be a Bruno & Bellingham hybrid
Jude Bellingham has cemented himself as one of Europe’s leading midfielders over recent years, currently plying his trade at Real Madrid at the tender age of 21.
The Englishman has enjoyed a rapid rise to stardom, emerging through the Birmingham City academy before moving to Borussia Dortmund and securing a transfer to Madrid in the summer of 2023.
However, his career could’ve been very different, with United firmly in the race to sign the youngster before he completed his subsequent transfer to Germany back in the summer of 2020.
The midfielder even visited Old Trafford before deciding on a switch to the Bundesliga outfit, with United missing out on a now elite-level star who would massively improve their chances of success.
Despite missing out on his signature, Amorim could be about to land a hybrid of the Englishman and Fernandes with a deal for Ruiz, which may prove to be an expensive addition.
He’s been labelled as a similar player to the aforementioned talents by FBref, and managed to outperform the pair in numerous key areas, showcasing why he’d be a mix of the duo.
Ruiz, who’s been labelled “one of the best in the world” by Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, along with more passes into the final third – highlighting the talent he possesses with the ball at his feet.
The Spaniard has also won more tackles per 90, along with more clearances made, having the ability without the ball at his feet, making him the perfect box-to-box option for Amorim. It’s not wonder he’s been described as “one of the best No.8’s alive” at the moment by one analyst.
However, Ruiz has further impressed, outperforming the pair in terms of take-ons and progressive carries per 90, subsequently able to drive with the ball and provide others around him with opportunities.
