Man Utd star told he would ‘fit like a glove’ at Real Madrid

Rene Meulensteen says Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes would ‘fit like a glove’ at Real Madrid and could be the perfect replacement for Luka Modric.

Fernandes has been one of United’s more successful signings in the turbulent post-Sir Alex Ferguson years, scoring 95 goals in 278 games while helping the club win the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.

The 30-year-old’s numbers have remained at a high level across what has otherwise been an inauspicious campaign, with the Europa League representing United’s last remaining shot at silverware.

But reports in recent days suggest Real Madrid have Fernandes in their sights and could look to prise the Portugal international away from Old Trafford with a £90million bid when the summer transfer window opens for business.

The European champions are believed to have sent scouts to keep tabs on Fernandes sporadically across the season and view United’s No.8 as a possible successor to Modric.

While Fernandes has continued to shine in Ruben Amorim’s misfiring United team, club legend Roy Keane recently went on record questioning the midfielder’s character and branding him ‘imposter’.

But Ferguson’s former assistant, Meulensteen, has jumped to Fernandes’ defence, telling Poker Firma: ‘I think people sometimes question the way Bruno Fernandes likes to get his feelings across. But one thing for me is certain – he’s an absolute winner.

‘He plays all the games, he’s never injured, and he’s very committed to Manchester United and wants the best for the club.’

Though Meulensteen is confident Fernandes will be desperate to lift major trophies with United, he can see the Portuguese wearing Madrid’s shirt next season and fitting in perfectly at the Bernabeu.

‘Every footballer has ambitions,’ he continued.

‘I’m sure he wants to win trophies for Man United, but if a team like Real Madrid were to come knocking for him in the summer, he would fit like a glove there.

‘Luka Modric is turning 40 soon and Madrid need someone in midfield with that kind of passing range who can supply Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.

‘With Bruno Fernandes’ passing range, Real Madrid would be unbelievable, and their forward line would become even better!’

United head coach Amorim made his feelings abundantly clear when quizzed on the rumours linking Fernandes with Madrid earlier this week.

‘No, it’s not going to happen,’ he told reporters.

Asked how he could be so certain, the United boss replied: ‘He’s not going anywhere because I’ve already told him.’

Fernandes put pen to paper on a new contract at the Theatre of Dreams last summer, trying him to the Red Devils until 2027, with the option of a further year.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.