Louis Saha explains the “mistake” Man Utd made in the summer transfer window

Louis Saha believes former club Manchester United made a mistake by not signing Bruno Fernandes this summer.

After an underwhelming season, the Red Devils were expected to be busy in the transfer market bolstering their squad ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

What was Man Utd’s summer mistake? Five things to know…

• Manchester United finished sixth in the Premier League last season.
• As a result, the Red Devils looked to the transfer market to improve their squad.
• United signed Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire.
• They were also linked with Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes, but nothing materialised.
• And former striker Louis Saha believes United made a mistake by not signing the 24-year-old.

By the time the Premier League’s transfer window closed on August 8, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had made three new signings, bringing Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils had also been linked with a move for Sporting midfielder Fernandes following his impressive season in Portugal, but no official move materialised.

And Saha, who spent four years with United, believes his former side made a mistake by not pursuing the Portuguese midfielder.

“Bruno Fernandes is a player of great technical quality who could be extremely decisive at various points in United’s game,” he told Record.

“But more than that, he’s a born leader and that’s what Manchester United are missing this season.

“He’s undoubtedly a huge player and his market value should not be impeding for a club like United.

“In addition, Sporting have the right to ask whatever they want for one of their most valuable assets.

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“Bruno Fernandes was absolutely impressive last season.

“Only time can tell, but judging from everything that has happened – United made a mistake by not buying Bruno Fernandes and not signing a creative midfield player.”

The 2018/19 season saw Fernandes rise to prominence in European football, scoring 32 goals across all competitions while also registering 18 assists. This led to the midfielder being heavily linked with a move away from Sporting, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid reportedly joining United in a line of suitors.

Ferdinand “would have loved” Fernandes at United

Saha is not the only former Manchester United player to have spoken about the Red Devils’ failure to sign Fernandes.

Speaking before Manchester United’s opening game of the season against Chelsea, Ferdinand admitted he was surprised by the Red Devils not improving their midfield.

“I love the fact that he (Solskjaer) invested his belief on [Marcus] Rashford and [Anthony] Martial by getting rid of [Romelu] Lukaku,” he said on BT Sport.

“I was surprised he didn’t go into the midfielder area. I would have loved the idea of Bruno Fernandes. He must be looking to rekindle Paul Pogba’s form.”