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.

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.

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.

Erik ten Hag says Facundo Pellistri could play a role in his attack

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United youngster Facundo Pellistri may have won him over in a behind closed doors pre-season game.

Speaking to the club website ahead of last night’s clash with Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag explained that Pellistri could be part of his solution in attack.

This was despite Pellistri failing to make the bench for last night’s game. It’s possible this was illness related rather than a pure selection decision, with Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay also out.

Ten Hag had said the Uruguayan is one of a trio of young players who can strengthen the team in the weeks ahead, irrespective of players coming in.Ten Hag says Pellistri could play a role

Ten Hag explained: “There are two things. One, a striker could come from our own club, see Garnacho, see Elanga, see Pellistri who made a good impression at the World Cup and also last week in the [behind closed doors] game against Everton. So that is first.

“And yes, we are aware that we lost a striker, so we do have to get a striker in. But it has to be the right one.

“And the right one has to bring the quality and not just add to the squad. Because that gives you only problems and you know the criteria is high at Manchester United.”

Ten Hag has lots of options in attack, shown by Pellistri’s presence, a player he has chosen not to use so far.

This could be about to change, with the Uruguayan seemingly convincing him that he can play a part in the weeks ahead.

A new striker is still likely to join, and it’s easy to be dubious over Ten Hag’s words on Pellistri, given that his actions have so far declined to give him an opportunity.

But let’s wait and see. United have cup games in early January against Everton and Charlton, both of which could see some rotation.

If Pellistri gets his chance he could take it and not look back. These comments are the most positive Ten Hag has been about the Uruguayan all season, so there is reason to be encouraged.

The situation could change in late January if Pellistri is still not getting chances. Expect a loan deal to be agreed at that stage, or even a permanent exit, however, over the next two to three weeks, he may just get his breakthrough.

Source: footballfancast.com