Top five ideal Bruno Fernandes replacements Manchester United should target
The Portuguese midfielder reportedly could leave the club.
There are plenty of speculations regarding Bruno Fernandes’ future at Manchester United, which has started to make the rounds. The midfielder is now considering his future at the club, according to multiple reports. However, one thing is certain: he is not leaving the club in the January 2026 transfer window.
But given the club’s current state, Fernandes would be looking at his options, having not won a major trophy such as the Premier League or UEFA Champions League so far in his United career. However, if Fernandes does leave, then who should United look for in the future window to replace him?
Top five ideal Bruno Fernandes replacements at Manchester United
5. Angelo Stiller
Despite being the most “conservative” and restrained of the five, Stiller is a “precision” developer who has been strongly linked to United as a possible long-term replacement.
He would be the choice if United wished to cut down on the quantity of “cheap” possession lost in midfield. His passing accuracy is much higher than Bruno Fernandes’ (84.8% vs. 79.3%).
Stiller is more of a “controller,” yet his creative output is still very great. In terms of “big chances created” and forward-moving carries, the German roughly equals Bruno Fernandes. Compared to the current configuration, he would signify a change in style towards a more “surgical” midfield.
4. Oihan Sancet
Oihan Sancet, a “goal-threat” playmaker with a distinctive 6’2″ build, poses a serious threat for late runs into the box, which were Bruno Fernandes’ hallmark during his early years at United. He can quickly drive past opposing defenders after receiving the ball in confined spaces between the lines because of his exceptional half-turn effectiveness.
Sancet’s efficiency in the last third is statistically noteworthy. He has a track record of contributing to double-digit goals in LaLiga and averages a high amount of crucial passes (1.73 per 90).
Despite taking fewer “long-shot” chances than Bruno Fernandes, he is a deadly tactical tool against low-block defences because of his capacity to move defenders out of position and provide room for teammates.
3. Nicolas Paz
The breakout star of Serie A is Nicolas Paz, a “modern 10.” He combines the “old school” flair of a conventional playmaker with “modern” physical demands.
He has developed into a statistical powerhouse under Cesc Fabregas at Como, where he leads the league in a number of innovative categories, such as progressive passes received and shot-creating actions.
Paz’s hybridity makes him a “perfect” Fernandes substitute. Apart from being one of the top dribblers on this list (leading his team in successful take-ons), his height of 1.86 meters gives him a powerful presence in the air. He is perfect for a club transitioning to a more structured, possession-based system because he produces high “Expected Assists” and is versatile enough to drop into a “No. 8” role.
2. Morgan Gibbs-White
Morgan Gibbs-White is the closest match in the Premier League if you’re searching for a successor with a similar “risk-reward” style of play.
His passing accuracy of 76.8%, which demonstrates his frequent efforts at challenging, game-changing through-balls, is consistent with Bruno Fernandes’ “high-risk” distribution profile.
Similar to Fernandes at Old Trafford, Gibbs-White is his team’s creative lifeblood. He has a tenacious work ethic, excels at “Shot-Creating Actions,” and frequently ranks highly for distance travelled and effective tackles.
If the United captain were to go, the Nottingham Forest player might also be able to fill the “vocal” hole left by Fernandes’ leadership at Old Trafford.
1. Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes, a tactical “engine,” is one of the Premier League’s more “complete” midfielders.
His statistics profile indicates that he is exceptional at winning possession in the offensive third, even if he frequently plays a little bit deeper than Bruno Fernandes. He can break through defences from central areas, as seen by his current ranking in the top 80–95th percentile for successful passes into the penalty area (1.51 per 90).
His ability to transition the team is his biggest asset. The Newcastle United player shares Fernandes’ willingness to take chances, but he also has a superior passing accuracy (around 82% as opposed to Fernandes’ 79%).
He would provide United with a more “composed” version of Bruno who could control the pace from deep and deliver the game-winning ball in the last third.
Is Bruno Fernandes leaving United?
There are reports that he could leave the club.
Who is the ideal replacement for Fernandes at United?
There are a few players who can replace him at the club.
When is Bruno’s deal expiring?
His contract will expire next year.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.