There’s no denying that the 2024/25 campaign was one to forget for Manchester United, needing to erase such a year from their memory if they’re to be a success next season.
The Red Devils only registered a measly 15th-placed Premier League finish, whilst also being on the losing end in the Europa League final against fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur.
Ruben Amorim was ultimately unable to have the desired impact after taking the reins halfway through the campaign, undoubtedly hoping to make amends in 2025/26.
The 40-year-old has finally had the pre-season he desired to get his feet under the table and make the changes he needs to allow his players to operate in his 3-4-2-1 system.
Despite already splashing over £130m on new additions this summer, the hierarchy look set to back the manager once again in his quest for success in England’s top-flight.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Benjamin Sesko has undoubtedly been the biggest star linked in recent weeks, with the Red Devils battling Newcastle United for the RB Leipzig striker’s signature this window.
The Slovenian has already been subject to an offer from the Magpies, with United needing to act quickly if they are to secure a deal for the 22-year-old before the September 1st deadline.
However, despite the interest in the forward, other options are also being considered across the pitch, with Barcelona star Fermin Lopez the latest on their radar, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
They claim that Amorim’s side are preparing a €70m (£60m) offer for the 22-year-old central midfielder, after he made 46 appearances across all competitions last season.
The report also states that the LaLiga outfit would be open to allowing him to depart before the end of the window, if an offer in that region is submitted in the coming weeks.
Why United’s latest target could spell bad news for Bruno
Bruno Fernandes has been a player constantly providing the goods for United in recent years, scoring 98 times and notching 83 assists in his 290 appearances for the Red Devils.
Such numbers have saved the side in key moments, especially last season, with his tally of 37 goal contributions undoubtedly preventing the side from a relegation battle in the Premier League.
However, despite his contributions, he could find himself dropping down the pecking order in 2025/26, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha already being signed to operate in the number ten role.
Bruno has regularly operated in such a position over recent times, potentially having to drop into a deeper role as a result of the pair’s big-money arrivals at Old Trafford.
The likes of Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte all currently occupy such roles, with the potential arrival of Lopez adding further depth to the midfield department.
There’s no doubt that if the Spaniard moved to the Theatre of Dreams it would put Fernandes’ spot in the side at risk, especially when considering the phenomenal numbers the Barça star produced in 2024/25.
Lopez, who’s been labelled “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, registered 11 combined goals and assists, highlighting the attacking threat he possesses from his deep-lying role.
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Fermín López’s stats for Barcelona in LaLiga (2024/25) |
|
|---|---|
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Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
28 |
|
Goals & assists |
11 |
|
Pass accuracy |
82% |
|
Progressive passes |
5.7 |
|
Passes into final third |
4.7 |
|
Shots taken |
3.1 |
|
Take-ons completed |
1.8 |
|
Tackles won |
1.4 |
|
Key passes made |
2.1 |
|
Recoveries made |
4.7 |
|
Stats via FBref |
|
He also completed 5.7 progressive passes per 90, 4.7 of which were into the final third, handing the new additions the chance to thrive within attacking areas in their first season at the club.
The youngster’s talents are further reflected out of possession, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and 4.7 recoveries per 90, offering Amorim the defensive presence he may need in the middle of the park.
£60m could be an expensive addition, but given Lopez’s all-round talents, he could prove to be an exceptional addition for United in their attempts to rise up the table.
At just 22, he has plenty of time to build on his early success in his career, potentially putting Bruno’s long-standing presence within the side at huge risk.
