Barcelona enter race to sign Manchester United’s ideal backup for Bruno Fernandes

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to add depth in his Manchester United squad.

The preparations ahead of the next season have already begun, and the responsibilities of each member associated with the club are lucid if it was not until a disappointing Europa League semi-final exit at hands of Sevilla.

After a gruelling yet satisfactory campaign for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his staff, and the playing group, the voices are clear of what needs to be done to continue the progress since the beginning of a rebuild job post-Jose Mourinho era.

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Now, the onus is on Solskjaer’s paymasters to deliver the signings to close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City. Jadon Sancho has long been linked with a move to Old Trafford, however, the transfer has hit a snag owing to Borussia Dortmund’s rigid stance on the transfer fees. Despite a deadlock, the Reds hierarchy aims to revive the deal to attain the English prodigy’s services.

Regardless of how Sancho pursuit ends, Manchester United are aware of the importance of injecting quality depth to the squad, which has a glaring rift of standards between the starting lineup and its backup.

Bruno Fernandes, who changed the season’s course for Solskjaer, has looked weary after pulling the strings in attack consistently since the arrival from Sporting CP in January. Lack of suitable alternatives meant the resources were stretched towards the tail end of a year-long campaign.

Donny van de Beek has been identified as a cheaper option to reinforce the attacking midfield department by providing a required competition to Fernandes for a spot in the starting team-sheet.

Coming through the ranks at Ajax’s decorated youth setup, the 22-year-old, alongside Frenkie de Jong, had played a vital role in Erik ten Hag’s side which stunned the European heavyweights on their way to Champions League semifinal during the 2018/19 season. Recently, Van de Beek addressed future by insisting he is happy to spend another season in Eredivisie if a transfer does not materialise in this ‘messy’ summer.

Placing a long-term interest in the player, Man United chiefs restarted dialogues since observing Van de Beek’s move to Real Madrid fall through due to financial complications. Despite taking the necessary steps, the deal has been in a dormant state with focus lying on Project Restart.

However, Manchester United could pay a price for their complacent approach as Barcelona enter the race to sign Donny van de Beek. As per Le10 Sport via SPORT, Ronald Koeman, Quique Setien’s successor, wants his compatriot to be the first signing of the summer.

Despite the claims, Barcelona bosses are struggling to cope with the financial complexities of the post-COVID era, making it tough for the Catalan giants to muster the funds to sign any player for a transfer fee. But, Ajax’s interest in Luis Suarez could prove to be crucial factor resulting in a swap-deal.

Man United might have to make their move quickly with several parties reigniting their interest in one of Europe’s brightest prospects.

Do you think Manchester United will be able to find a backup for Bruno Fernandes?