Inside Man Utd's move for Portuguese prodigy as they plan to pay £33m release clause

Manchester United have set their sights on Braga’s teenage sensation Roger Fernandes after losing out on their top transfer target Sporting's Geovany Quenda to Chelsea.

The Red Devils view the 19-year-old winger as an ‘immense talent’ and are prepared to trigger his £33m release clause to bolster Rúben Amorim’s squad this summer.

United had been heavily linked with Quenda, a 17-year-old starlet who flourished under Amorim at Sporting before the manager’s move to Old Trafford in November 2024.

However, Chelsea swooped in to secure Quenda’s signature, leaving United to pivot their transfer strategy.

Fernandes, who made history as the youngest player in Portuguese Super Cup history with his senior debut for Braga at 15 years, eight months, and 12 days in 2021, has emerged as the new priority.

His current contract, signed last summer, runs until 2028 and includes a €40m (£33m) release clause—a figure United are reportedly willing to meet.

The shift in focus comes as United endure a torrid season, sitting 13th in the Premier League with nine games remaining, already eliminated from both domestic cups, and facing a critical Europa League last-16 tie against Real Sociedad.

Amorim’s attacking options have been depleted by the loan departures of Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa and Antony to Real Betis, while Jadon Sancho’s future remains uncertain amid talks of a permanent exit from his Chelsea loan.

Fernandes, known for his pace, flair, and versatility across the front line, is seen as a dynamic addition to address United’s goalscoring woes—highlighted by Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s combined 14 goals in 83 appearances.

Reports indicate Fernandes is ‘preparing to open a new chapter’ at the end of the campaign, and Braga’s hierarchy are resigned to losing their prized asset. United’s interest is not without competition, with Tottenham and Newcastle also monitoring the winger, but the Red Devils are pushing to stay ahead in the race.

“Roger’s an immense talent with a huge ceiling,” a source close to United told Metro.co.uk. “After missing out on Quenda, he’s become the focus—he fits Amorim’s system perfectly.”

The £33m price tag aligns with United’s strategy under INEOS to invest in young, high-potential players, though Financial Fair Play constraints mean they’ll need to offset costs with sales.

Plans to offload up to 10 players—including high earners like Antony, whose potential £12m payout was flagged by Ben Foster—could pave the way for Fernandes’ arrival. For Amorim, securing the Braga starlet would mark a significant coup as he seeks to turn around a faltering campaign and build a squad in his image.