Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been the club’s leading star over the last couple of years, with no player able to replicate the levels he’s produced in recent seasons.
The Portuguese international joined the club back in January 2020 and has certainly exceeded the expectations supporters would’ve had when he arrived at Old Trafford.
In the five years since his big-money transfer from Sporting CP, the 30-year-old has racked up 98 goals and 83 assists, a simply staggering feat for a midfielder.
During the most recent campaign, Bruno achieved a tally of 37 goal contributions, with it unthinkable as to where Ruben Amorim’s side would be without his efforts in the final third.
This summer presents an opportunity for the boss to make his own stamp on the side, needing to land players who can aid the captain in his quest for success at the club.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
A striker has been top of United’s shortlist over recent weeks, leading to numerous names being mentioned as potential targets to join the Amorim revival in 2025/26.
The likes of Ollie Watkins, Dusan Vlahovic and Nicolas Jackson have all been mentioned as names under consideration between now and the end of the window.
However, other areas of the pitch are also subject to investment, leading to Juventus star Douglas Luiz emerging as a target, according to Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness.
They claim that the Brazilian has once again appeared on their radar after sides such as Nottingham Forest, Everton, and West Ham United failed to agree a deal with the Serie A side.
It also states that his agent has been in the UK for talks with interested parties, but it doesn’t state which clubs have been in discussions to land the former Aston Villa midfielder.
Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Bruno
As previously mentioned, Bruno was undoubtedly the shining light for United throughout 2024/25, with the fanbase hoping he can repeat such feats in the upcoming season.
However, alongside his tangible rewards for his performance, he also caught the eye with his versatility, which saw him operate in numerous positions.
There’s no denying his best position is in the number ten position, but he was also forced to operate in a slightly deeper number eight role at times, given the lack of depth in the squad.
Given the investment being placed into the squad this summer, you’d hope other midfield options are made to allow the Portuguese international to reach or even exceed the levels he produced in 2024/25.
Any potential move for Luiz would provide the captain with the opportunity to do just that, with the Brazilian having the tools to provide a quality addition for Amorim’s side.
Luiz, who’s been labelled “world-class” by former teammate John McGinn, registered 5.9 progressive passes per 90, with 2.7 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his talents at driving forward and finding a teammate at any given opportunity.
He also won 2.1 tackles per 90, whilst winning 68% of the dispossession attempts he’s entered, capable of regaining the ball – making him an excellent ball-winning option at the heart of United’s side.
Douglas Luiz’s stats for Juventus in Serie A (2024/25) |
|
---|---|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
Games played |
19 |
Progressive passes |
5.9 |
Progressive carries |
2.7 |
Tackles won |
2.1 |
Tackle success rate |
68% |
Take-on success |
79% |
Aerials won |
56% |
Stats via FBref |
His further figures further back up why he’d be perfect in Amorim’s squad, completing 79% of the take-ons he attempted, having the capability to drive forward before making the killer pass to a teammate.
It’s unclear if the player himself will entertain any interest from the Red Devils this summer, but it’s clear he possesses a lot of talent that would make him a superb addition.
Any move for the former Villa star would allow Bruno to consistently operate in his natural position throughout 2025/26, adding another diamond to the club’s already impressive front line.

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