Coming live from Old Trafford, it’s confirmed that Manchester United have reportedly contacted an “impressive” player who recently scored a hat-trick, with the intention of possibly positioning him as a long-term replacement for Bruno Fernandes as it is more likely that Bruno Fernandes would leave next season.The Red Devils appear to be keeping a close eye on the young player as they evaluate future options for their midfield leadership.
Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on a young talent who could potentially step into Bruno Fernandes’ role in the future, as they look to proactively address a key position.
Although Manchester United can consider their summer transfer window a success, Erik ten Hag’s squad still seems to be finding its rhythm on the field. After a commanding 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup, the team struggled to maintain consistency, with an unconvincing win against Southampton followed by a heavy defeat to Liverpool, indicating that more work is required to reach their full potential.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, now overseeing the club’s strategic direction, understands the importance of patience. He has shifted United’s transfer approach away from signing older, high-profile players on large contracts. Instead, the club is now prioritizing young European talents who have room to grow, and the latest focus has reportedly landed on a potential successor for Bruno Fernandes.
According to *Fussball News*, United have identified Oscar Gloukh, a standout performer for Red Bull Salzburg, as a possible future replacement for Fernandes. Gloukh, 20, has had an exceptional start to the season, highlighted by his hat-trick in Salzburg’s 5-1 triumph over Blau-Weiss Linz in the Austrian Bundesliga.
At his young age, Gloukh is viewed as someone who could eventually fill the shoes of United’s current captain, Bruno Fernandes, who at 30 years old may not have many more years at the top level. While Fernandes’s time as a key figure isn’t nearing an end just yet, United are wisely considering options for his eventual replacement.
Though few players possess the skill set to replicate Fernandes’ role, Gloukh appears to be a strong contender. His current form builds on a stellar previous season, where his statistics were comparable to Fernandes’s output at Old Trafford.
Key Stats 23/24 (via FBref):
| | Oscar Gloukh | Bruno Fernandes |
|—————|—————|—————–|
| Appearances | 29 | 35 |
| Goals | 7 | 10 |
| Assists | 11 | 8 |
With both players involved in 18 league goals last season, Gloukh’s performances suggest that he could be groomed to take over Fernandes’s responsibilities at United. His potential for growth is immense, and he is highly regarded for his rapid rise. Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig hailed Gloukh as “impressive” and a “gem in Salzburg’s ranks” last year.
If Manchester United pursues Gloukh in the future, it would mark another savvy acquisition under INEOS ownership and their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, reinforcing the club’s focus on securing emerging talent.
