Fernandes recommends Man Utd move for Sporting ace

FT Desk

20 Mar 2024 16:55 GMT
2 min read

Bruno Fernandes, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes has given a glowing recommendation of one of the rising stars at former club Sporting.

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Fernandes became a favourite at Sporting after representing the Portuguese side for two and a half seasons between 2017 and 2020.

His form in Lisbon earned him a move to Old Trafford, but he still keeps close tabs on events back home.

Sporting are having a season to remember in 2023-24, leading the Primeira Liga over arch-rivals Benfica while also leading their neighbours going into the deciding clash of their Taca de Portugal semi-final tie.

And, with United still looking to improve their squad in another uneven campaign, Fernandes believes that Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres would be a great asset.

Gyokeres, 25, has smashed 22 goals in 24 league appearances to put himself firmly in the sights of some of Europe's biggest sides, including Arsenal and the Red Devils.

Fernandes praises Sporting ace

“Gyokeres is one of them, he’s scored a lot of goals," Fernandes stated in an interview with A Bola.

"But I think Pedro Gonçalves has shown great dynamics over the years. This season is probably the one in which he’s played best, but as his numbers have dropped since the first season, people… What’s normal, he’s created a very high standard of goals and assists, so the pressure on him is very high.

"However, I think that Pote has been more influential in the team’s play now than he was when Sporting were champions and he scored a lot of goals.

As well as Gyokeres, Fernandes is delighted with the ability Sporting boast across the field.

"This confidence that the coach has in Trincao means that he’s back to being the player he was when he left Braga for Barcelona," he added.

“Obviously, Gyokeres scoring so many goals means that he sometimes falls by the wayside. Inacio has grown enormously and part of that is down to being in the national team and playing.

"[Sebastian] Coates is always the pendulum in that defence because of his experience and his ability to be calm in difficult moments. The two in midfield… I love Sporting’s midfield.

"I love Morita and Hjulmand. They’re two vital players in Sporting’s game, especially when they have to have more of the ball and be more tactically organised.”