Manchester United cannot capitalize on Bruno Fernandes this summer – Cole Palmer is a step below the Portugal international.
That’s the view of The Pitch Prospect’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook, who believes the Red Devils captain is still the most important man at Old Trafford.
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The 31-year-old is enjoying another great season on a personal level – he contributed five goals and ten assists in 20 Premier League games.
No player has recorded more assists than the attacking midfielder in the top flight this season and Fernandes has thrived under United’s interim coach Michael Carrick.
However, there are doubts as to whether his long-term future lies with Theater of Dreams, where he is contracted until 2027.
It was only in December that Fernandes claimed the board was ready to send him to Saudi Arabia last summer.
Storm Bru-ing?
And with the player boasting a £57million release clause in his contract, which foreign clubs can trigger in the summer, there are fears he could consider a move at the end of the season.
His uncertainty has led to speculation that Chelsea star Palmer could be an option to replace him.
The Manchester native, a well-known youth United fan, has struggled for form this season due to a minor groin injury that could require surgery.
Rumors that Palmer is restless in west London continue to gather momentum, although he is not seen as a priority player as United’s focus lies elsewhere.
TalkSPORT understands Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson are being eyed by United as Brazilian cult hero Casemiro departs as a free agent.
And speaking on The Pitch Prospect’s YouTube show Inside Devils, Crook opened up about the rumors linking Palmer with United – and why that shouldn’t happen.
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Commenting on whether Palmer would welcome a move to Old Trafford, he said: “Listen, he’s never one to play with a smile on his face.”
“But I think if you look at his demeanor and his body language when I was at Stamford Bridge recently, it looks like he would rather be somewhere else now.”
“And I think that’s partly because he’s not fully fit and maybe he doesn’t trust his body, so he’s not able to do a full shift, which is frustrating.”
“But I really think he’s a Manchester boy, born in Wythenshawe, who still spends a lot of time up in the North West, so I think if he was given the opportunity to go back then he would definitely consider it.”
“I don’t think he will be seen as a priority position for United in the summer, we know they want to strengthen in midfield.”
“But the three names still at the top of their list are Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson and as I said before, I wouldn’t rule out trying to sign two of those three.”
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“So I don’t really see where they’re getting the money from for Cole Palmer, but if Bruno Fernandes leaves there’s a chance there might be a role available for him there.”
“But Chelsea will be asking for more than £100m so I just don’t see how that will work for United.”
“And it opens up a separate debate about Bruno Fernandes, who I thought was brilliant again against Arsenal.”
“His passing range, his courage on the ball, his ability to turn defense into attack.”
“Now that Michael Carrick is playing him in his correct position [No.10]I think we have to pull out all the stops to keep Bruno Fernandes.
“If you were to say to me now, ‘Would you rather keep an aging Bruno Fernandes or hire a younger model, Cole Palmer?’
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“I’ll stay with Bruno.”
This view was shared by The Pitch Prospect’s Angelina Kelly, who stated that Fernandes was “irreplaceable” and someone who could always be relied on.
Kelly remarked: “It’s a really difficult question. I want to make it clear that Cole Palmer is a fantastic footballer on his day.”
“He clearly has a lot of talent, he has had some wonderful moments, but the problem here is that he is injured and needs surgery.”
“Manchester United, despite having so many problems with the owners, you would think they would know better than to buy an injured player and almost commit another Mason Mount situation.”
“It’s not Cole Palmer’s fault, he clearly has a problem, but I think it’s a risk to sign a player who has had so many problems this season that I really feel sorry for him.”
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“I think bringing him in is a risk. I understand the idea. Bruno Fernandes is 31. So in the long term, Cole Palmer is 23. The idea of bringing in someone younger and eventually changing the guard is something we should do.”
“But look at Bruno Fernandes, he’s 31, you know exactly what you’re getting from him, you know exactly what he can do and we have other people who fit that role too.”
“I’m not saying they are as good as Bruno Fernandes, but we have players who can play in his position. So it’s not like we have a drought there and we need to give more priority to someone in midfield, especially with the Casemiro news.”
“Besides, Bruno Fernandes doesn’t get injured, he has an amazing record.”
Angelina added: “As much as I appreciate Cole Palmer’s talent, as things stand I agree with Crook, I think you almost don’t want to upset the apple cart.”
“We know exactly what we are getting with Bruno Fernandes, he has performed time and time again for this club.”
“I understand that when people come knocking and there is a certain amount of money on the table, I understand why the hierarchy might look at it.
“But I just think he’s irreplaceable for us at the moment.”