The world-class signing Man Utd can make to emulate Bruno Fernandes

For all the investment made, all the talk of progress, Manchester United head into yet another season knowing that their fate is likely to rest largely in the right boot of Bruno Fernandes.

The configuration of Michael Carrick‘s favoured starting lineup is still to be determined, but one thing is for sure – the captain will be central to it.

Still lacking a genuine understudy in that number ten role, United need the Portuguese to pick up where he left off last term, having rounded things off with that record-breaking tally of Premier League assists.

There have been signs of life from those around him, namely Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but the thought of the Old Trafford side not having Fernandes in tow still sends a shiver down the spine.

Why Fernandes signing a new contract is essential this summer

Amid the very real prospect of the 31-year-old heading to Saudi Arabia last year, there were no doubt those – you know who you are – who more than flirted with the idea of cashing in, with a potential £100m move to Al Hilal having been on the table.

As he subsequently proved last season, Fernandes is worth far more to United than that, having been the architect behind the club’s resurgence under Carrick’s watch.

Talk regarding an exit has been far more muted this time around, yet a new deal for the skipper does appear to be a priority, with his current contract set to expire in 2027, albeit with United holding the option of a 12-month extension.

Considering a five-year deal has just been handed to a 29-year-old Youri Tielemans, INEOS should have no qualms about offering a long-term contract to Fernandes, with this a man who deserves to see out his days in Manchester

You look to this current crop too, and the question remains as to who will really get you off your seat? Who’s worth the ever-rising entrance fee at Old Trafford?

The likes of Mbeumo and Amad faltered post-AFCON. Benjamin Sesko seemingly can’t stay fit. Even Cunha can drift in and out of games at times.

Throw into the mix the returning Marcus Rashford, a man who’s spent the last 18 months in exile, and United don’t exactly boast a forward line blessed with superstars. Fernandes is seemingly the only one – for now, at least.

Why Man Utd still need to make a world-class signing

The impending addition of Carlos Baleba will no doubt bring United’s midfield operation to a close, with INEOS going down the Premier League proven route by bringing in the Cameroonian, alongside Tielemans and Andrey Santos.

These are sensible and relatively safe signings, the markers of a hierarchy, led by Jason Wilcox, who are beginning to learn from past mistakes in the market.

And yet. Can supporters also not wish for that little sprinkling of stardust? A player, like Fernandes, who can get bums off seats?

Of course, Old Trafford has been a graveyard for marquee names, be it Angel Di Maria or Alexis Sanchez, but bringing in another ‘wow’ signing into a more stable environment could produce far greater results.

Indeed, the player who could really make an impact is Victor Osimhen, with Football Muse reporting that Wilcox and co have been ‘actively’ pursuing a move for the Galatasaray talisman.

The key issue appears to be cost, with the Super Lig side already rejecting a £111m bid from Al Hilal, while the 27-year-old’s current wage stands at around €21m a year, or roughly £346k-per-week.

That might be an obstacle, although Football FanCast exclusively reported that Osimhen was open to the move, perhaps ready to seal a long-awaited Premier League switch.

You could argue he’s on Fernandes’ level as a genuinely elite, world-class operator, someone who could go into any league or any team and make an impact.

Hailed as “one of the best strikers in the world” by compatriot Peter Etebo, Osimhen has been prolific wherever he’s been, aside from a brief goalless spell at Wolfsburg in Germany.

He scored 20 in 36 games for Belgian side Charleroi. He scored 18 in 38 games for Ligue 1 side Lille. He then hit 76 in just 133 games for Napoli, prior to scoring 61 times in just 75 games since moving to Turkey in 2024.

At 27, just a year or so older than Fernandes was when he rocked up in Manchester, Osimhen is another player who could hit the ground running in England, having already been a force against Premier League opposition in the past.

He notably netted the winner against Liverpool in the Champions League last season, while previously tormenting Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League in 2024/25, scoring twice in a 3-2 win for the Istanbul side.

In 15 Europa League games in his career, he’s scored ten times. In just 27 Champions League outings, he’s scored 16, seven of which came last season, while also registering four assists.

REUTERS/Murad Sezer

For comparison, in Fernandes’ 25 career Champions League appearances, he’s only just behind with 18 goal involvements racked up, a player who has perhaps deserved more opportunities on Europe’s elite stage.

The same might well be true of Osimhen, with United offering the perfect chance for him to really elevate his status and reputation, just as Fernandes has done across the last six years or so.

Of course, there’s plenty to like about the make-up of Carrick’s squad, but if Wilcox really wants the best in class, then Osimhen would be the man.