Manchester United considering summer move for rising River Plate star Enzo Fernandez amid Ten Hag interest
With incoming boss Erik Ten Hag favouring a move for River Plate star Enzo Fernandez in summer, Manchester United have given a listing ears even though the Ajax boss has not official arrived to start work at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are targeting River Plate’s “rising star” Enzo Fernández the next transfer window and he could slot straight into the team ahead of Brazilian midfielder Fred.
United are set for a huge overhaul of their under performing squad before next season and according to The Daily Star, up to four midfielders could leave.
This would leave room for plenty of new additions with one target being Argentinian Fernández.
He currently play’s in South America for River Plate but could be persuaded by the lure of one of Europe’s biggest clubs. However, the Red Devils face competition for him from Real Madrid and local rivals Man City, with the player said to have a £20.6m release clause in his contract.
One of the midfielders he would be competing with, or potentially replacing, at Old Trafford would be Brazilian star Fred. He has had a rollercoaster of a career at United and at 29 years old isn’t getting any younger.
The signing of Fernández could provide the perfect alternative, and if he impresses, the 21-year old could be a mainstay at the Theatre of Dreams for years to come.
He has made 36 appearances for River Plate and in his time at the club has been directly involved in 12 goals from midfield.
When you compare his statistics in the league to that of Fred’s, he excels in most categories. The average number of passes he makes per game is 55.3 compared to the Brazilian’s 48.9.
Fernández is also more of a threat in the air with him winning 1.1 of aerial duels per game compared to Fred’s 0.6.
If United are successful in their bid to sign the Argentinian youngster then it’s likely that he will be one of Erik ten Hag’s first singings as manager at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman is reportedly close to agreeing a deal to take the hot seat at the club and signing Fernández would be the perfect start to his tenure.
He’s known for giving young players a chance having developed some star players during his time at Ajax. It’s a same tradition that is part of the fabric at United and if he was signed it would be a signal of the start of a new era under Erik ten Hag.
