Fernandes has flourished into one in every of Europe's finest midfielders since his £47million arrival in January 2020.

Since the beginning of the 2020/21 season, the 29-year-old has created extra probabilities than some other participant within the Premier League - 317. That's 51 greater than Kevin De Bruyne and 70 greater than Trent Alexander-Arnold.

But United's wastefulness in assault, resulting in poor crew outcomes for many of his keep, has maybe contributed to his absence from the elite dialog.

Fernandes has helped bump up the numbers, registering 65 targets and 55 assists in 189 appearances for the Red Devils.

And he hasn't put his foot off the fuel on worldwide responsibility, scoring 17 instances and offering 16 assists in 59 caps for Portugal.

His most up-to-date showcase of inventive class helped Roberto Martinez's aspect hammer Luxembourg 9-0 on Monday, producing three assists in lower than an hour and a aim to prime it off.

In Hojlund, United have splashed £72m on an inexperienced striker. But the 20-year-old's eye for a aim, physicality and athletic presence promise there's a gem there to be unlocked.

His worldwide exploits are simply as spectacular as Fernandes', scoring six targets in his first seven caps for Denmark.

Hojlund is the joint-top goalscorer in UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying alongside Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku. He was born for the large event.

And there shall be loads of these at United. Ten Hag might solely have Fernandes at his peak for a number of extra years, however Hojlund is destined to guide the road for the following decade.

He shall be anticipated to begin shortly - that comes naturally with switching Atalanta for a world powerhouse in United, particularly because the membership's most expensive-ever striker.

But Fernandes might be the proper man to unlock his potential early on. And if the duo click on this season, Ten Hag can have his personal Ronaldo and Rooney.

The two Old Trafford icons - born in the identical yr earlier than having fun with equally embellished careers - offered each targets and assists throughout their 5 years taking part in collectively below Sir Alex Ferguson.

For three of their years collectively at United, one assisted the opposite on 20 separate events. That is the extent Ten Hag will need Fernandes and Hojlund to achieve.

Fernandes' inventive prowess speaks for itself, and Hojlund has already showcased eye-catching link-up capabilities at such a younger age.

Nothing could be assured in soccer, however United might quickly study they've struck gold.

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