Top News

Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha believes the Red Devils ought to explore the possibility of signing Enzo Fernandez - but made it clear the Chelsea ace should not be considered to be a direct replacement for club captain Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandez's long-term future at Stamford Bridge remains in doubt. The Argentine has previously entertained the notion of one day heading to Real Madrid, expressing a desire to live in the Spanish capital; comments which saw him dropped from the squad for two matches by the recently dismissed Liam Rosenior. This summer, United are actively pursuing midfield reinforcements, with Casemiro departing and Manuel Ugarte also being linked with an Old Trafford exit. Fernandez was strongly touted fora move to the red half of Manchester during the 2022 World Cup, yet ultimately opted for Chelsea in what was a then Premier League record £104 million transfer.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB!Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Almost four years on from his arrival in west London, Saha believes Fernandez would represent an astute acquisition for United. Nevertheless, with Fernandes' own future remaining somewhat uncertain, Saha cautioned against deploying the Argentine as a straight swap for the club captain.

Speaking on behalf of Betinia, Saha said: "I don't think Enzo Fernández has the same style as Bruno Fernandes, but he could still fit into that midfield. He has the calmness on the ball, the intelligence, and the ability to open up play. He's not exactly the same as a holding midfielder like Caicedo, but he has aggression and quality. It wouldn't be a no-brainer, but if he is available, it's definitely something Manchester United should consider."

Fernandez has been linked with a Stamford Bridge departure this summer, with both Real Madrid and Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain reportedly keen on securing the World Cup winner's signature. While United have been linked with numerous midfielders, Fernandez's name has rarely featured in speculation. With Casemiro set to depart at the end of the season, defensive midfield has emerged as one of United's most pressing priorities.

Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest ace Elliot Anderson, Newcastle United skipper Bruno Guimaraes and Brighton and Hove Albion midfield lynchpin Carlos Baleba are all understood to be on United's radar. It's believed as many as two midfielders could be recruited, though that figure may increase should Ugarte also depart.

Fernandes could also be heading for the exit, having revealed he will reflect on his future at the club following the World Cup. In April, he told the Telegraph: "Everyone that comes to Man United wants to win every trophy. No one thinks in coming to the club that we're going to fight for one or two trophies in six years. You want to fight for all of them.

"Then we went to three finals and didn't win. That can happen. But at least you've been there in the fight. We were close, and what I said to the club every time that I spoke with them, what I want from the time I'm here, I want to compete. Because if I compete, I will be close to winning. If I don't compete, there's no chance I'm going to get close to anything.

"So, the main thing that the club understood is this: it's 2013 that they last won the Premier League. That's too long for a club like Man United. Being now so long without winning a Premier League is not normal. As a player, you have to understand that the fans, the expectation, will always be that we want to come back and win the Premier League. As players, we have that expectation when we come to Man United. It doesn't change."