Manchester United’s summer rebuild is garnering a lot of news ahead of the crucial summer transfer window. After Chelsea hijacked their move for Sporting CP wonderkid Geovany Quenda, the Red Devils have shifted focus to Braga’s Roger Fernandes, a 19-year-old dynamo catching the eye of half the Premier League.
The Quenda Miss & Fernandes’ Rise
Quenda’s £42m switch to Stamford Bridge left United scrambling, but Fernandes isn’t a consolation prize either. Scouts describe him as an “immense talent” with positional flexibility mirroring Quenda’s. Since debuting for Braga at just 15, Fernandes has evolved into a regular with 44 appearances this season across right wing, wing-back, and even left-back roles. His 10-goal contributions with 4 goals and 6 assists in the current campaign, are giving him the confidence to push more.
Why Fernandes Fits Amorim’s System
Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system largely depends on quick overlapping wing-backs. Fernandes fits the mould perfectly. He can play deep, forward, left, and right and comes with an exceptional work rate.
The Braga teen’s adaptability aligns with Amorim’s obsession with versatile players. While Diogo Dalot remains trusted at right-back, Fernandes offers a younger, more explosive option. His £33m release clause, which may be negotiable down to £25m, also appeals to a club mindful of Financial Fair Play constraints.
United aren’t alone. Manchester City, Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Brighton have all tracked Fernandes, while Chelsea tested Braga’s resolve in January. Sources claim that United is “advancing talks” but faces a tough fight to seal the deal. Braga, aware of the mounting interest, is preparing to life without their starlet. A muscle injury in March briefly stalled his momentum, but there are no long-term concerns about his fitness.
At £25m, Fernandes represents a calculated gamble. For context, United paid £25.6m for Dorgu in January. Pairing the duo as long-term wing-backs could solidify Amorim’s tactical foundation.
With many Premier League clubs lurking and Fernandes’ stock rising, United must act swiftly. Braga’s willingness to negotiate below the release clause creates an opening, but hesitation risks another Quenda-style heartbreak. For Amorim, landing Fernandes wouldn’t just soften the Quenda blow, it could redefine United’s flanks for years to come