Ever since Ruben Amorim pulled on his training jacket with the Manchester United logo, a 17-year-old has been linked to the Premier League. Geovany Quenda was the player Amorim had on the pitch from the start on the right wing at Sporting when Manchester City were overrun in the Champions League. The challenge for United has nevertheless emerged.
Various English media outlets have reported United are in “advanced talks” about signing Quenda, with INEOS and United management believing a bid of around £33 million is enough to convince Sporting. Various Portuguese media believe that this bid meets closed doors.
With United under strong financial pressure to manoeuvre within the rules of profitable and sustainable club operations, a restriction is placed on the Premier League club to pay “what it takes” to bring Quenda to Amorim.
According to English journalist Graeme Bailey, Manchester United have therefore begun an alternative race. It is about Braga’s Roger Fernandes. The Portuguese 19-year-old made his first-team debut as a 15-year-old, now the right winger stands with 80 games, 11 goals and 12 assists.
Fernandes has many of the same qualities as Quenda, and has the same flair in front of the opponents’ goal. Fernandes is left-footed, has played full-back, wing-back, winger and striker this season for Braga, so for United a player who can make a difference all over the pitch. The 19-year-old signed a new contract this summer with a buyout clause of 40 million euros.
According to the English journalist, United will have the opportunity to sign Fernandes under the buyout clause. Making a Quenda signing impossible for United, the Red Devils have a very attractive option in Fernandes.
