Manchester United have endured a torrid start to their 2026/27 campaign, with Michael Carrick's side currently sitting 17th in the Premier League after just one win, four draws, and four losses.

The same can be said in other competitions, having already been dumped out of the EFL Cup after surrendering a two-goal lead against Brighton at home, and sit in 20th in the Champions League group phase after winning just one of their three matches so far.

The team as a whole has been very subpar this season, but it's no surprise that Bruno Fernandes's underperformance has also coincided with the side's poor form.

In fact, the two games United have won this season are the only two in which Fernandes has contributed a goal or an assist. The 32-year-old was dropped against Bournemouth after publicly criticising Carrick's tactics, but returned to the fold against Chelsea on the 31st of October and delivered a mixed performance as United succumbed to a 2-0 loss.

Bruno Fernandes, who was named Premier League Player of the Season last year for his stellar performances last year, breaking the league's assist record on the way, was visibly emotional at full-time against Chelsea, as the United faithful have been making their stance clear on the current situation at the club, backing Michael Carrick after it looked very likely that he would be sacked after the Bournemouth defeat.

After turning down opportunities to move to Saudi Arabia over the past two summers, the club's captain is in his final year at the club, though they hold a one-year extension that United are expected to trigger to preserve his value before a potential sale later in the window.

As United begin their search for a long-term Fernandes replacement, Barcelona's Fermín López has emerged as a potential option, with the 23-year-old reportedly one of United's top targets after several impressive performances for the Spanish giants.

However, as Fabrizio Romano reported, the midfielder directly addressed the rumours linking him with Manchester United, saying, "Manchester United links? I don't pay attention to that kind of news. I want to stay here at Barça as long as possible”.

“I hope to end my football career at this club and retire here”.

The quotes from López come after a very impressive performance against Alaves, as Barcelona ran out 6-1 winners, with the 23-year-old scoring a stunning goal, assisting twice, and being named Man of the Match.

It goes without saying that the Spaniard would be an excellent signing for United, with the 23-year-old capable of scoring from midfield, delivering a relentless off-ball work rate, and playing as a traditional number 10, a central midfielder, or even out wide if needed.

However, after signing a contract extension until 2031 at the start of this year, and given the Spaniard's post-match comments, the club is under no pressure to even entertain clubs like United's interest in their midfield star.

Manchester United themselves also need to make several defensive additions next summer, after already undertaking a midfield transformation in the summer, so trying to convince López to leave his boyhood club for a struggling United side could be seen as a waste of time by United, as they have no room for error next summer when it comes to their additions.