It is fair to say that without Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United will be completely lost.
The captain is truly the heartbeat of the team, showing leadership by encouraging and setting an example with his play.
He is arguably the best signing by the Red Devils since the days of Sir Alex Ferguson, and this season, he has continued to score 15 goals and 13 assists.
With that in mind, it's no surprise that Sir Jim Ratcliffe already wants to repeat the United Fernandes masterclass this summer.
Man Utd's search for a new defender
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Man United are eyeing a deal to sign Goncalo Inacio.
The Portuguese defender has attracted interest from a number of clubs this summer, with the Red Devils and Liverpool monitoring him.
Full-back is a position that will see new faces this summer at Old Trafford as they look to sign at least one.
However, if they were to get Inacio's signature, it would cost them £51m to activate his release clause.
How Man Utd can repeat their Fernandes masterclass
Man Utd's relationship with Sporting over the years has enabled them to sign a host of stars, including the likes of Nani, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Fernandes.
As United's number eight, if Inacio were to join the Manchester club, he would be coming from Sporting, a breeding ground for incredible talent.
One of the latest gems to be developed at the Portuguese club is Inacio, who has been excellent since his introduction to the first team.
The 22-year-old was superb last season, making 49 appearances in all competitions and helping Sporting win 13 league games in Portugal.
|
Inacio's 23/24 UEL vs Varane & Martinez PL |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per game) |
Inacio |
Martinez |
Varane |
|
Terms* |
3 |
0 |
1 |
|
To touch |
84.7 |
47 |
43.5 |
|
Passes completed |
66.6 |
37.4 |
31.4 |
|
Pass accuracy |
90% |
93% |
89% |
|
Fighting |
1.2 |
1.1 |
0.8 |
|
Ideas |
1 |
0.5 |
0.7 |
|
The balls are back |
4.7 |
3 |
3 |
|
Duels won |
4.4 |
1.9 |
2 |
|
With Sofascore. *= not per game |
|||
As you can see, Inacio would be a great addition to Man United's backline, which boasts high numbers in first choice Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.
It is clear that the Portuguese is a quality player who is comfortable playing at the back, even under pressure.
He is also incredibly strong in defense thanks to his athleticism and ability to read the game, which ensures his side are able to dominate for long periods of the game, something United were unable to do last season, as evidenced by their 50.5% possession on average. – tenth best in the division.
Furthermore, he has only missed three games this season through injury, proving that he is a more reliable option than most of United's injury-plagued backline.
As the number 25 is a left-footed midfielder – a position filled by Martinez – it will be interesting to see how the pair can combine.
However, due to his ability to dominate in terms of possession and non-possession, and even in the final third using set pieces, he could have the same impact on United as Fernandes had four years ago.
Indeed, the signing of Inacio will, without a doubt, boost the United backline. The “perfect” defender, according to football's Jacek Kulig, is already in top form at the age of 22, and has the potential to develop into an icon at Old Trafford.
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