Manchester United ‘interested’ in signing Bruno Fernandes team-mate as £60m fee demanded

That win at Wembley brought a welcome positive air around United after a hectic season and ahead of a busy summer.

Ineos are on board at Old Trafford and are looking to fix some of the club’s problems over the last 10 years.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co weigh up the future of Erik ten Hag, who has won two trophies in two seasons but has overseen some truly torrid performances.

The United boss is waiting to learn his fate as United continue to be linked with potential new managers and even possible signings, despite having no clarity on next season’s boss.

Manchester United want Joao Palhinha

Another holding midfielder is certainly on the radar for United this summer.

Casemiro has endured a poor second season at Old Trafford and could even leave this summer amid speculation of a move to Saudi Arabia.

Kobbie Mainoo has enormous talent but needs help in midfield with a proven anchor man who can be a key addition.

Fulham star Joao Palhinha would fit the bill and is now being linked with a move to United this summer.

Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solekhol claims United are interested in signing Palhinha amid difficulties over a potential move to Bayern Munich.

Bayern offered £30m to sign Palhinha after failing to seal a deal for him last summer.

Fulham want £60m though, leaving Bayern to double their bid – or risk missing out again.

Reports in December suggested that United had made contact with Palhinha’s representatives to discuss a potential move to Manchester.

Palhinha was also on the radar last summer as reports suggested the Portugal international had admirers at Old Trafford.

The Fulham star has even been described as keen on the idea of ​​a move to United, although it is unclear if he still feels that way after United’s eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Palhinha could reunite with Bruno Fernandes

Palhinha’s defensive dominance could give United a real solid base in midfield and much-needed protection for an often exposed back line.

Hailed as a “special player” by his former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim, Palhinha has racked up tackles and interceptions since joining Fulham in 2022.

That kind of presence would be welcome in United’s midfield and a deal would see him reunited with Bruno Fernandes.

Palhinha and Fernandes played together for Sporting and continue to play key roles for Portugal ahead of Euro 2024.

The pair have maintained a strong friendship over the years and Palhinha even opened up about a “special” moment between the pair last season.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Palhinha noted that Fernandes went down screaming following a challenge from the Fulham ace – only to return the favor later in the game.

“I remember with Bruno when we played Manchester United at home in November. I got a yellow card,” said Palhinha. “I didn’t touch him and he was completely screaming. It’s normal for him!”

“The next play, I drove the ball and he made a tackle. It wasn’t a mistake, but I screamed too because he did the same. The referee gave a foul, but did not give him a yellow card. I smiled at Bruno”

“It’s special when it happens inside the pitch. We are friends so everything is fine. Portugal’s players have a good relationship even off the pitch. We keep in touch and after the game we always talk in our dressing rooms,” he added.

Palhinha highlighted their friendship and that kind of connection could be ideal to shore up United’s midfield – and possibly ensure Fernandes is happy at the club.

Paying £60m for a midfielder turning 29 sounds like the sort of move Ineos wouldn’t like, but Chelsea are a prime example of why proven players are needed alongside young talent – and Palhinha would could be ideal for this role at United.

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