Here’s a look at everything you need to know about United’s newest star.
Who Actually Is He?
Fernandes was born in northern Portugal in the greater Porto area and joined the youth ranks at local Primeira Liga club Boavista at the age of nine.
But before breaking into the first-team, a 17-year-old Fernandes was on his way to Italy to join Serie B club Novara. It was there that he made his debut as a professional footballer, paving the way for a move to Udinese (below) after just a year in 2013.
After three seasons there, Sampdoria snapped him in 2016, before Sporting paid €8.5m to take Fernandes back to Portugal in 2017.
It is since then that his feats as an attacking midfielder have caused an international stir...
What's He Achieved in His Career?
During his time in Serie A, Fernandes only once finished in the top half of the league table, but he did win trophies after returning home to Portugal.
Sporting won the Taça da Liga – Portugal’s league cup – in 2017/18, with Fernandes converting a penalty in the shootout that won the final. Sporting retained the trophy the following season, with Fernandes again converting from 12 yards in a decisive penalty shootout.
Sporting actually completed a domestic cup double in 2018/19, also winning the Taça de Portugal. It was a third final decided by penalties, and…you guessed it, Fernandes scored his.
On an individual level, Fernandes was named Primeira Liga Player of the Year for both 2017/18 and 2018/19, even though Sporting never finished higher than third.
Where international football is concerned, Fernandes made his senior debut for Portugal in 2017 and was part of the squad that won the inaugural UEFA Nations League title in 2019.
Why Is He Joining Man Utd?
Despite a relatively modest start to his senior career in Italy, 79 combined goals and assists for Sporting in the last 18 months alone don’t go unnoticed.
United actually passed on Fernandes in the summer after showing initial interest, but a real dearth of quality in midfield during the first half of this season saw the Old Trafford resurrect that in a big way. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and assistant boss Mike Phelan went over to Portugal to see him play and, after a fortnight of slow-moving negotiations, a deal was struck this week.
How Much Will He Cost?
The full value of the package United and Sporting have agreed is €80m (£67m), but only €55m (£46m) is a guaranteed payment.
After that, United must pay €5m (£4m) when Fernandes plays a certain number of games, another €5m if the club qualifies for the Champions League, plus €15m (£13m) if the player himself achieves certain individual targets. United will also owe Sporting 10% of a future sale.
What Will He Bring to Man Utd?
Hopefully, creativity and goals!
United’s biggest problem this season, especially during Paul Pogba’s long injury absence, has been unlocking deep-lying defences. And whether it be playing the killer pass to create a chance, or finding the net himself, Fernandes is expected to be the man to fix that.
It would be extremely surprising if he is able to recreate his Sporting numbers, particularly straight away, but United’s top-scoring midfielder this season in the Premier League this season is Scott McTominay on just three goals, so more or less anything is an improvement.
What Shirt Number Will He Wear?
The number eight shirt Fernandes wore for Sporting isn’t available at United, but Marcos Rojo’s loan departure to Estudiantes potentially opens up the number 16 jersey he wears for Portugal.
Other numbers that are definitely available are 11, 18, 19, 25, 27, 30 and 31.
When Will He Make His Debut?
It is not out of the question that Fernandes could play some part of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Wolves at Old Trafford. He’s been playing regularly for Sporting and should at least therefore be in good physical condition.
If Saturday comes just a bit too soon, Fernandes will have the two-week winter break to start settling and get accustomed to his new teammates. The downside is that eager fans would have to wait until 17 February when United face Chelsea to see him in action.
Can He Speak English Yet?
The Football Manager 2020 database lists ‘basic’ English among Fernandes’ language skills. That could be anywhere below or up to the level of fluent.
Portuguese tend to be more exposed to English from an earlier age than Spaniards, for example – Cristiano Ronaldo spoke very good English when he was still just 18.
Fernandes will also have Portuguese speakers in the dressing room to help with any adjusting. Diogo Dalot and Fred are the most obvious ones, while Belgium-born Andreas Pereira is half-Brazilian. Victor Lindelof and Nemanja Matic both also spent several years playing in Portugal, while Angel Gomes comes from a Portuguese family.
Where Will He Live?
Fernandes may initially stay there, although
For more from Jamie Spencer, follow him on Twitter and Facebook!
Source : 90min