Ruben Amorim 'makes specific transfer request' to Man United chiefs as Bruno Fernandes fear emerges

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has supposedly made a specific transfer request to two Old Trafford chiefs amid uncertainty over the future of Bruno Fernandes.

The Red Devils' captain is being relentlessly pursued by Al-Hilal, and it was reported earlier this week that he was giving serious consideration to a move to the Saudi Pro League giants.

Amorim does not expect Fernandes to depart this summer, though, and he told the media as such after starting the 30-year-old in Friday's 3-1 post-season friendly win over Hong Kong.

However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly open to letting Fernandes join Al-Hilal due to the club's financial situation, as his prospective sale would significantly boost Man United's coffers.

Due to their differing views on the matter, Amorim and Ratcliffe are rumoured to be at risk of falling out if Fernandes leaves, although the INEOS chief has sanctioned a £62.5m deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha.

Amorim 'wants second attacking midfielder' after Cunha

© Imago

The former Atletico Madrid man could be a like-for-like swap for Fernandes in one of the two number 10 roles behind the central striker, although Amorim seemingly wants the pair to play together next season.

However, according to Ben Jacobs - via the United Stand - Amorim has requested that the club sign another attacking midfielder in the summer transfer window despite the imminent arrival of Cunha.

The Portuguese would apparently be happy with one of two profile of player; either an 'advanced central midfielder', or an out-and-out number 10 with strong goal and assist statistics.

Christopher Vivell and Jason Wilcox are said to have been informed of Amorim's demands, which suggest that the Man United manager is indeed fearing the prospect of losing Fernandes this summer.

The Red Devils' skipper enjoyed an exceptional campaign despite his teammates' failings last season, managing 19 goals and 20 assists in 57 matches in all competitions, including eight strikes and 11 assists in 36 Premier League outings.

What other attacking midfielders can Man United target?

© Imago

Man United's pursuit of a second number 10 will no doubt be complicated by the Red Devils' dire economic situation, and a move for RB Leipzig's much-coveted playmaker Xavi Simons is surely off the cards.

Instead, the Red Devils are believed to have turned their attention to Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, reportedly holding talks with the attacker's camp over a summer switch earlier this month.

Bees boss Thomas Frank recently issued a firm transfer warning to clubs interested in Mbeumo, though, and the Cameroon international could also prove too expensive without a major sale or too.

Lyon's Rayan Cherki could be a cheaper alternative, as Les Gones are under pressure to sell off some of their prized assets in the wake of their provisional relegation to Ligue 2.

Man United may not have to go above £30m to prise Cherki away from Lyon, but they have reportedly been leapfrogged in the race by one of their Premier League rivals.

Written by
Ben Knapton