Real Madrid Considering A Move For Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes; Here's What We Know

Real Madrid are reportedly considering a move for Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes is contracted with Manchester United until 2026 and is believed to be quite happy with his career at Old Trafford. Los Blancos will make a move for Fernandes if the Portuguese midfielder thinks joining them is a step forward for him, according to Sports Witness. However, International Business Times could not verify it independently.

Real Madrid could make a move for the 28-year-old midfielder in either the winter window in January or at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Joining the current Champions League holders would definitely open the door to trophies for Fernandes.

Real Madrid have been interested in Fernandes since his days at Sporting Lisbon, the club where Cristiano Ronaldo started his career. Fernandes, who is believed to have followed Ronaldo's path by moving from Sporting to Manchester United, joined the Red Devils in 2020 January window. And in no time, the midfielder became a fan favorite at Manchester United.

However, the 20-time English top-flight champions have not been doing well, with their last league title coming under Sir Alex Ferguson a decade ago. Manchester United's last trophy was the Europa League triumph that came under Jose Mourinho in the 2016-17 campaign.

Fernandes is currently representing Portugal in the World Cup in Qatar. He has been impressive, having scored both his side's goals in their 2-0 win over Uruguay, which sealed their spot in the upcoming knockout stage.

Real Madrid are reportedly not the only top European club that is interested in securing Fernandes' services. Nevertheless, Manchester United won't let Fernandes leave for cheap. The Portuguese midfielder's current market value is around $77 million, according to Transfermakt.

Fernandes started his life in Manchester on a high as he regularly provided goals and assists and became an immediate star. He finished the second half of the 2019-20 season at Old Trafford with 12 goals and eight assists in 22 appearances.

In the subsequent campaign, Fernandes was once again impressive, scoring 28 goals and 17 assists in 58 competitive matches. However, his form took a fall when his compatriot Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford, in the summer of 2021, for his second spell with the club. Fernandes is no more Manchester United's main star as he managed just 10 goals and 14 assists in 46 appearances last season.

With Ronaldo's exit from Old Trafford, Manchester United would now turn their focus back to Fernandes and hope the midfielder remains at his best for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign. With 26 points in 14 games, the Red Devils are placed fifth in the Premier League table. Erik ten Hag's side is also scheduled to take on FC Barcelona in February in Europa League's play-off qualifiers.

Fernandes so far has contributed with three goals and as many assists for the Red Devils in 20 matches this season.