Bruno Fernandes tells Man Utd to replace him with shock Premier League star

Bruno Fernandes has told Manchester United exactly who they need to buy to replace him in the future.

The Premier League season is approaching its final weeks and naturally, fans are already starting to look ahead to the summer transfer window.

With a spot in the Champions League next season looking more and more likely, United are one of the clubs expected to be the busiest during the break under the guidance of either Michael Carrick or a new manager.

Chief among their hit list for new additions will be a long-term successor to captain Fernandes, who has arguably been the best player in the league this season.

Normally, bringing in someone to replace a player of Fernandes' importance would be difficult, but United may already have their successor thanks to advice from the captain himself.

That's because the midfielder has reportedly recommended namesake and West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes as the perfect option in the summer.

Matheus Fernandes has been a standout player for West Ham this season. (Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Although West Ham have had a dismal season that could yet result in them being relegated to the Championship, Mateus has stood out as a key player in a struggling side.

The 21-year-old's recent form led to him being called up to represent Portugal for he first time in March.

Should West Ham go down, then it's likely that several clubs will be interested in signing the midfielder for what could be a massively reduced price.

And with Bruno Fernandes' contract set to expire in 2027, it's clear that United may need to move quickly to replace him, particularly if rumours that he could move to the Saudi Pro League this summer are to be believed.

Mateus made the move to the London Stadium only last summer in a £40million from Southampton after their relegation.

Therefore, any increase on that amount would likely be enough to see the Hammers part way with the young talent, who has made 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals.

But United won't be the only club interested in signing Matheus should West Ham be relegated, as local rivals Manchester City are reportedly considering him as a replacement for Bernardo Silva, with sporting director Hugo Viana, the man who gave the youngster his first professional contract at Sporting Lisbon.

However, it is not believed that Fernandes will be United's ideal pick in the summer, with the club believed to be in the market for several midfielders in anticipation of the departures of both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.

Instead, it is believed that the likes of Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton are United's top targets when the transfers window reopens in June.