Why Man Utd Decided Against Signing Bruno Fernandes This Summer

Manchester United pulled out of signing Bruno Fernandes after the club's scouts warned he takes too many risks in possession. The saga surrounding the Sporting

Manchester United pulled out of signing Bruno Fernandes after the club's scouts warned he takes too many risks in possession.

The saga surrounding the Sporting CP star dragged on for almost the entire summer window, with both the Red Devils and Tottenham vying for the midfielder's signature after he notched a staggering 20 league goals and registered a further 13 assists last season.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bruno Fernandes (@brunofernandes8)

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to add some creativity to his side in an advanced midfield position, Fernandes was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, although the rumours were predominately peddled solely by the Portuguese media.

However, whether United's interest in Fernandes was as concrete as portrayed in the player's homeland, the Mail have claimed that the Premier League side backed out of a deal after their scouts reported that he gives the ball away too frequently, and wouldn't match Solskjaer's style.

The report states that the Norwegian was keen to add players to his ranks that were reliable in possession, something made evident with the signing of Leicester centre half Harry Maguire.

Recording passing stats of 75.1%, he falls short of fellow United midfielder Paul Pogba's 82.8% pass completion, with the added risk factor ultimately meaning the club opted out of a potential deal.

CARLOS COSTA/GettyImages

After the departures of Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini, it leaves Solskjaer light in the midfield department, with the Mail adding that it is an area the club are looking to address over the course of the next two transfer windows.

Until such an opportunity arises to bolster the centre of the park, Jesse Lingard looks set to fulfill the number ten role alongside Juan Mata, although it was the former who got the nod from the start in the Red Devils' opening Premier League thumping of Chelsea.