Manchester United: Fans want to sign Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes

According to a report from Sky Sports, Manchester United could be one of a host of clubs interested in signing Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes – with the Portuguese club reportedly wanting to loan him out for 18 months with the option to buy.

Fernandes, who’s amassed an 84.7% pass success rate (per WhoScored) so far this campaign, has been looked at by United along with ‘a number’ of other midfielders – with the Red Devils’ quest in search of a well rounded attacking midfielder well and truly underway.

To put his passing rate into context, only Fred and Juan Mata boast better accuracy in the United squad when it comes to midfielders this season, so having someone else who can recycle the ball well could help the team break down stubborn opposition. Obviously, in losing to the likes of Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Watford so far this term, the Red Devils do tend to struggle to do that, usually impressing when able to play on the counter, as they did against Manchester City and Chelsea.

The 20-year-old, amongst others, is seen as a possible target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side as they potentially try and find someone who can fill Paul Pogba’s shoes – with the Frenchman linked to a reported exit for some time.

As a result, United fans have been keen to see Fernandes arrive at Old Trafford to strengthen their midfield, with one suggesting he’d be better than Sean Longstaff who was also linked of late – especially with Scott McTominay out for eight weeks.

Here’s what they had to say on Twitter.

At this point it would be smarter than getting Longstaff.

— Dyl (@UtdDyl) January 2, 2020

Take him for He is better than pereira

— Bill Harawa (@billharawa) January 2, 2020

Never watched him but I’d take him need midfielders asap

— Luke (@Labile_Life) January 2, 2020

Offer Shaw, Bailly, Jones, Young, Lingard, Matic and Mata for this player.
Time is up for these players.

— Paul ivison (@Paulivison9) January 2, 2020

I think he’s a gamble worth taking tbh. He’s still only 20 we can develop him & if he impresses enough sign him permanently if not send him back to Benfica. We need midfielders & he’s available

— Chris Silvester (@ChrisSilveste14) January 2, 2020