BRUNO FERNANDES will recommend that his Manchester United replacement is a Portuguese midfielder called Fernandes!
United are set to explore options for a long-term successor to their skipper and West Ham ace Mateus Fernandes is on the shortlist.
Mateus, 21, has impressed in central midfield despite the Hammers’ poor season, which has left the Hammers in the relegation zone with seven games to go.
Although not a primary midfield target, he is being considered as a smart secondary signing, with United set to spend at least £80million on a big name.
Mateus was called up to Portugal duty for the first time during the March internationals, giving him time with his “idol” Bruno.
With Casemiro leaving on a free transfer this summer, United are looking to bring in two new midfielders.
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Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Newcastle ace Sandro Tonali and Carlos Baleba of Brighton are among their big targets.
Although his contract runs until 2027 with a one-year option, Bruno’s future remains in doubt as he plans to decide his next steps after the World Cup.
But Mateus has emerged a potential long-term prospect, as the youngster told the Portuguese press just last week that Bruno was his “role model.”
Relegation and record £104.2m losses could force West Ham to sell the £40m midfielder they signed from Southampton last summer.
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United might have to act fast, with rivals City having a potential secret weapon.
Their sporting director Hugo Viana, who originally brought Mateus to Sporting Lisbon and oversaw his first professional contract, is a strong admirer.
And with Bernardo Silva set to leave when his deal expires this summer after nine stellar years at the Etihad, City might look at Mateus.
The Hammers ace previously said that former Sporting hero Bruno was an “idol” for everybody in the Sporting Lisbon academy.