Manchester United facing huge competition for their midfield target

1 year ago

Manchester United have been dealt a blow with Real Madrid turning their attention to Argentina star Enzo Fernandez, according to reports. The 21-year-old is currently starring at the World Cup, with his standout moment coming when he scored a stunning goal against Mexico.

The young midfielder curled home a beauty to help his side remain on course to reach the last-16. Fernandez’s bright start to the tournament comes after a fine campaign with Benfica, who were the surprise package in the Champions League this season.

Across all competitions, he’s registered three goals and five assists. According to sources in Portugal, including Sport, United are very keen on his services. But Marca believe the Red Devils now have to fight off competition from Real Madrid.

That’s because the La Liga champions see Fernandez as an alternative to Jude Bellingham. The Borussia Dortmund star is Madrid’s top target, but the amount of names in the running, including Liverpool, is leading to them shopping elsewhere.

That will undoubtedly come as a blow to United. This comes after the Old Trafford club already faced a tough battle, with his recent contract extension meaning he has a £103m release clause. As an academy graduate of River Plate, Fernández made his first-team debut for the club in 2019 before spending two seasons with Defensa y Justicia on loan.

There, he enjoyed a successful campaign which culminated in him winning the Copa Sudamericana and Recopa Sudamericana, before returning to River Plate in 2021. Following his return, Fernández established himself as an integral player for River Plate in the following years, and won the Argentine Primera División. In July 2022, he joined Portuguese Primeira Liga side Benfica. Fernández is a former youth international for Argentina, representing his country at under-18, before making his senior international debut in 2022.