Most Manchester United fans are dreading the day Bruno Fernandes bids farewell to Old Trafford. The Portuguese playmaker has arguably been the greatest signing made in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The club have fallen from grace in that time, but Fernandes has been a shining light in a dark period. He continues to wow the Stretford End and has been at the peak of his powers this season.
Fernandes has bagged six goals and 13 assists in 26 games across competitions during the 2025-26 campaign. These extraordinary exploits come following a summer of uncertainty.
The 31-year-old was linked with a move away amid interest shown from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. A transfer didn’t take place, although the midfielder felt the club would be open to a sale if he agreed to the switch.
United have Gibbs-White in sight
Fernandes will eventually need replacing, whether that’s this summer, next year when his contract expires, or beyond. The club has an almost impossible task in finding a player who can come close to replicating the Red Devils captain’s playmaking brilliance.
According to MailSport, United have joined the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. They are “monitoring” the Englishman who has been a talisman at the City Ground over the years.
Gibbs-White joined Forest from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2022 for around £44m. That fee raised eyebrows, given he was just getting started at Molineux, but he’s more than lived up to expectations.
The 26-year-old has been a leader for Forest, a livewire in the middle of the park, and has displayed an all-round game that has earned him six caps for England. He’s appeared 37 times across competitions this season, posting eight goals and five assists.
Gibbs-White’s future was uncertain last summer after Tottenham Hotspur tried prising him away from the City Ground. Evangelos Marinakis stepped in and prevented the Englishman from making the move to the Lilywhites.
A new three-year deal was signed shortly after the Spurs transfer fell through. He is now committed to the Tricky Trees until the summer of 2028, but the threat of relegation could lead to an early exit.
Forest sit just two points above the drop zone following a 1-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday. If they are sent packing from the top-flight, that will likely mean many of their high-profile stars look to depart.
Gibbs-White part of the Fernandes fix
Gibbs-White has become one of the most highly-admired midfield talents in the Premier League. His stock has grown throughout his time at Forest, where he has starred, including in last season’s impressive seventh-placed showing.
Fernandes is almost irreplacable but swooping for Gibbs-White is a good attempt at doing so. He is extremely effective, with a tireless work ethic and a domineering style of play that captivates fans.
United are also showing “strong interest” in Gibbs-White’s teammate Elliot Anderson. The pair will be in-demand should Forest be relegated.
A double swoop for the England internationals could be the long-term answer to the Fernandes dilemma. Anderson is excellent on the ball, and bringing the duo to Old Trafford to partner Mainoo could sort out United’s midfield for years to come.
