Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a summer move to Real Madrid, with former Manchester United first-team coach Renee Muelentseen claiming the player’s desire to win and ability to replace Luka Modric could be key
Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant reckons Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes would “fit like a glove” at Real Madrid. United boss Ruben Amorim has insisted Fernandes is going nowhere this summer, despite the Spanish giants being linked with a £50m move for the Red Devils captain this summer.
Renee Meulensteen, who had two spells at United, including six years as first-team coach working under Ferguson, said 30-year-old playmaker Fernandes would be a perfect fit at the Bernabeu.
Despite Amorim’s stance, Meulensteen said Fernandes would slot straight in alongside Bernabeu stars Kylian Mbappe, Vinicis Jr, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham.
“I think people sometimes question the way Fernandes likes to get his feelings across,” Meulensteen told Poker Firma. “But one thing for me is certain – he’s an absolute winner.
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“He plays all the games, he’s never injured, and he’s very committed to United and wants the best for the club. Every footballer has ambitions. I’m sure he wants to win trophies for United, but if a team like Real Madrid were to come knocking for him in the summer, he would fit like a glove there.
“Luka Modric is turning 40 soon and Madrid need someone in midfield with that kind of passing range who can supply Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr and Mbappe. With Fernandes’s passing range, Real Madrid would be unbelievable, and their forward line would become even better.”
Meulensteen also reckons United made a major blunder in getting rid of winger Anthony Elanga. Elanga, sold by United to Nottingham Forest in 2023 for £15million, came back to haunt his old club with the winner in Tuesday’s 1-0 win at the City Ground.
Meulensteen believes United were wrong to let Elanga go and claimed winger Alejandro Garnacho – whom he made way for – does not have the character or personality to succeed at Old Trafford.
“I’ve never been sold on Alejandro Garnacho, to be fairly honest,” said Meulensteen. “I think there’s a personality and character issue at times. Anthony Elanga on the other hand, his performance [in the 1-0 win] is exactly what you want to expect from a Manchester United winger – strong, direct, powerful, full of confidence and taking players on.
“I always thought Elanga showed those glimpses when he was playing for United, but the club closed the door on him and his career has restarted at a different club.
“You really have to question the decision-making process to let players like him go, because there’s been a few who have slipped through the fingers.”
Renee Meulensteen was talking to Poker Firma. The interview can be found here Poker Firma
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