Five Bruno Fernandes replacements Man Utd could target after Michael Carrick peace talks
While Bruno Fernandes and Manchester United boss Michael Carrick reportedly held clear-the-air talks ahead of Saturday’s trip to Chelsea, the Portugal star’s outburst has raised questions over his future at Old Trafford.
Fernandes was an unused substitute in United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday after reportedly criticising Carrick’s tactics in an interview following the club’s dismal midweek Champions League loss to Como.
Although Fernandes appears to be back in the fold, and United have the option to extend his contract until June 2028, reports have suggested the club could look to cash in on their captain. If they do here are five players that could replace him.
Alex Scott
Manchester United were among a host of clubs reportedly interested in Alex Scott over the summer, alongside Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham.
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While Bournemouth insisted at the time that the Guernsey-born midfielder was not for sale, Sky Sports have since reported that the Cherries’ stance is softening.
Scott’s current contract expires in just over 18 months, and Bournemouth will be conscious that the 23-year-old’s value could diminish as that deadline approaches.
The Cherries would reportedly demand more than £80 million for the England international, nicknamed the ‘Guernsey Grealish’ as a teenager and described by Pep Guardiola as “unbelievable” in 2023.
Scott has always been an accomplished ball carrier and is equally intelligent off the ball, having made the sixth-most supporting runs of any Premier League player last season.
Moreover, he is sharp in the duel, with his creativity and tenacity potentially going some way towards replacing Fernandes’ influence.
Angelo Stiller
While lacking Scott’s Premier League experience, Angelo Stiller has long been tipped for a move to an elite European club.
He’s a different profile to Fernandes. More deep-lying, more metronic, indeed, no Stuttgart player registered more touches per 90 than the 25-year-old last season,
A clever left-footer, the 25-year-old boasts composure in possession and an ability to pick passes between the lines like few players on the continent.
United have been linked to Stiller for consecutive summer windows, with the players under contract at Stuttgart until June 2028.
According to Sport Bild, the German outfit would consider a minimum of €50m (£41m) to part ways with Stiller.
Nico Paz
Manchester United saw Nico Paz’s quality first-hand last Tuesday, as he cut onto his favoured left foot and curled a second-minute strike beyond Senne Lammens to kick-start Como’s onslaught.
The 22-year-old playmaker likes to drift into pockets of space to receive the ball before embarking on a mazy run, picking out an incisive pass or testing the goalkeeper with a shot.
His talent is complimented by his immense work ethic, evidenced when his tireless pressing saw him pinch Carlos Baleba’s pocket before netting his second of the night against United.
Paz’s Como future is complicated by a clause, as per the Athletic, in the player’s contract that allows Real Madrid to sign him for a mere €10m in 2027.
Manchester United would have to pay much more, with Transfermarkt valuing him at €80m.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Morgan Gibbs-White has been one of the Premier League’s outstanding attackers this calendar year, having enjoyed the most productive top-flight season of his career last term with 15 goals and four assists.
It would not be a stretch to say his contributions were central to Nottingham Forest retaining their Premier League status and reaching the Europa League semi-finals.
Gibbs-White is also tactically versatile, capable of playing on the left, behind a central striker or in a deeper midfield role. He also boasts an impressive work rate off the ball.
Like Fernandes, he is a risk-taker who is willing to try things others might not. It does not always come off, but when it does, his creativity can prove a catalyst for a positive result.
Any move for Gibbs-White will require United to negotiate with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, who persuaded the England international to sign a new contract after Spurs met his £60m release clause back in 2025.
Eberechi Eze
Perhaps a wildcard on the list, Eberechi Eze’s place at Arsenal could become increasingly precarious following the summer arrivals of Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, the renewed form of Martin Odegaard, and the emergence of Max Dowman.
Eze has produced moments of quality since joining Arsenal from Crystal Palace a year ago - including a hat-trick against Tottenham Hotspur - but has struggled to cement a regular place in the starting XI.
There is little doubt about the 28-year-old’s talent. He is one of the Premier League’s most balletic dribblers and has a habit of delivering on the biggest occasions, including scoring the winner as Palace beat Manchester City in the 2025 FA Cup final.
However, he can also drift out of games, as evidenced by Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, when the England international was substituted at half-time having completed just nine passes and touched the ball 22 times.
A move for Eze would carry risks, but it could also prove a bargain.
READ MORE: Michael Carrick gives damning answer over decision to drop Bruno Fernandes
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Premier League, Michael Carrick, Football News
Chris Byfield