After losing Cody Gakpo, Man Utd continue to battle Liverpool for another star

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Enzo Fernandez in the new year, and now a new update has emerged on the club’s competition for the player’s signature.

What’s the latest?

According to Portuguese news outlet O Jogo, the Red Devils are set to intensify talks to sign the Argentina and Benfica midfielder.

As per the report, Man United are not alone in their aggressive pursuit to sign Fernandez in January with bitter Premier League rivals Liverpool also set to hold further talks to secure the World Cup winner’s signature.

It’d be a major coup

After missing out on their target Cody Gakpo to the Merseysiders earlier this week, Manchester United will surely be doing everything in their power to ensure another doesn’t slip through the net.

Erik ten Hag will continue to make his mark on the squad when the transfer market reopens next month after taking over at Old Trafford in the summer and only exploring one transfer window so far.

There is no doubt that the signing of Fernandez would be a major coup for Man United not only to beat their rivals in the acquisition of a talented player but also would be a great long-term prospect for their ageing midfield.

Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have become integral players in the centre of the pitch since their arrival at Old Trafford earlier this year, however, both are now in their 30s and reaching the latter stages of their respective careers.

The 21-year-old Argentine – who was hailed a “game changer” by journalist Roy Nemer – ranks in the top 10% of his positional peers for shots on goal, assists, shot-creating actions, progressive passes and passes attempted, proving that he is one of the hottest prospects in football right now.

Can Man United beat Liverpool to Enzo Fernandez?

Indeed, it would cost a reported €120m (£103m) to trigger Fernandez’s release clause in the new year if the club were to sanction a move for the Benfica star, but considering his age and potential he could be the long-term mainstay in midfield Man United are clearly looking for.

With that being said, building the foundations for a team of the future that can regain the club’s dominance in both the Premier League and European football will surely be the goal for Ten Hag, and signing Fernandez would be a great start.

[READ NEXT] Manchester United are being tipped to re-sign Memphis Depay but there’s one big reason it probably won’t happen

Manchester United are reportedly struggling for transfer funds heading into the January transfer window.

Despite Erik ten Hag’s desire to sign a goalscorer, The Athletic report United are likely going to have to settle for a loan deal.

And with Joao Felix potentially expensive even on loan, one common name being touted is former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay, report The Telegraph and BBC Sport.

Depay signed for United for £31 million in 2015 before being sold in 2017 after failing to live up to expectations.

But a deal for the Dutchman would have one large problem, which we will get into…

Depay optics worse than actual signing

Memphis Depay actually probably would be a very astute addition for United, if forced to shop in the bargain bin.

He knows the club, has unfinished business and a point to prove, and could slot in ideally as a back-up to Anthony Martial while being able to play multiple positions.

At 28 he is a good age and showed at the World Cup he is still a player with plenty of quality to his game, which Erik ten Hag could probably harness well.

Unfortunately the bigger issue is the optics of a potential deal, that this really would be a last resort, rather than one Manchester United have pushed for.

United have had options to re-sign Depay in the past and declined. Moving for him now would highlight how desperate the need for a forward currently is.

One bigger problem with Depay move

There is one big problem with the suggestions United could target Depay, and that’s his already scheduled visit to Old Trafford after the transfer window closes.

Manchester United face Depay’s Barcelona in the Europa League knockouts. There is very little chance of the La Liga side sanctioning his exit to the Red Devils.

If a loan deal was struck, it is believed Depay still would be eligible to face Barcelona, as they were a Champions League team, now entering the Europa League.

Barcelona were once embarrassed by loanee Philippe Coutinho with Bayern. It is unthinkable they would knowingly risk a repeat and allow Depay to knock them out of Europe. For this reason a permanent sale would seem unlikely too.

If Depay were not eligible to play, then this wouldn’t be very appealing to the player himself.

A loan move for a similar player (answers on a postcard) could be possible – but Depay himself, probably not.

SOURCE: footballfancast.com, unitedinfocus.com