SPORTING LISBON have been better than ever since Bruno Fernandes left for Manchester United.
The Portuguese side are charging towards their first league title since 2002 after replacing Fernandes.
Bruno Fernandes has been a huge hit since he arrived at Old TraffordCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The 26-year-old established himself as Sporting’s star man before he left the club in January 2020.
Fans expected the club to struggle without him – but his departure has incredibly had the opposite effect.
His replacement, Pedro Goncalves, has fired Ruben Amorim’s side to the top of the table.
They are four points clear of Porto following Monday’s 1-0 victory over Benfica.
Goncalves has been the star of the show with 12 goals and two assists in 14 matches.
He proved his potential as he scored ten times in six games earlier this season.
Sporting snapped up the ex-Wolves star in a £5.85m deal from Famalicao in August.
Following his impressive spell of form, Manchester United are keen to sign him too.
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Bruno Fernandes vs Pedro Goncalves this season
Bruno Fernandes
- 21 games
- 12 goals
- 2 assists
Pedro Goncalves
- 14 games
- 12 goals
- 2 assists
Pedro Goncalves has filled the void left by Bruno FernandesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The Red Devils are reportedly prepared to pay the 22-year-old’s £53million release clause.
United are believed to be keen to link Goncalves up with Fernandes in the middle of the pitch.
Sporting have managed without Fernandes – but he’s continued to impress this season.
He has scored 11 goals and made seven assists in 21 games for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Fernandes has even been voted as the best ever January signing of all-time in a BBC poll.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer forced to defend Man Utd superstar Bruno Fernandes after criticism of display at Liverpool
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
