Manchester United turned down the opportunity to sell Bruno Fernandes in the summer after receiving a £100million bid from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. The Portugal international has claimed the Red Devils directors “didn’t have the courage” to sanction his exit.
Fernandes has been outstanding for United this season and bagged another goal and assist during his side’s emphatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday evening. But the 13-time Premier League champions could have decided to head in a fresh direction if they had cashed in on the player instead. The English club could have negotiated hard with Al-Hilal and asked for another £20m on top of the fee they were offered. And Express Sport looks at three players United could have signed to rebuild their squad if they had sold Fernandes for £120m.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
United have struggled between the sticks in recent years and were linked with Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma when he was still playing for Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
His arrival at Old Trafford would have come as a huge boost to other Red Devils players and would have sent a message to the rest of the Premier League.
Instead, Donnarumma signed for Manchester City for just £26million and has become the undisputed No. 1 at the Etihad Stadium. And United eventually turned to Senne Lammens to replace the faltering Andre Onana, who headed to Trabzonspor on loan.
Jarrad Branthwaite
United made two bids for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer of 2024 when Erik ten Hag was still in charge at Old Trafford.
But the Red Devils ultimately missed out on the Englishman as he remained with the Toffees and penned a new contract.
United could have tabled another bid for the player in the summer if they had sold Fernandes, and he could have become a star for years to come. But Amorim may yet decide to pursue the 23-year-old in January, with a transfer fee of £65m being mooted for the centre-back.
Conor Gallagher
United’s midfield could do with some fresh legs, with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte both coming under fire during their time at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils could have bolstered their options in the centre of the pitch by prising former Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher away from Atletico Madrid in the summer after reportedly pursuing him in the days leading up to the transfer deadline.
The 25-year-old has fallen out of favour in Spain and has started just four La Liga matches this season. And, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, he may be available for just £26m in January.
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