A tactical "engine," Bruno Guimaraes is perhaps the more "complete" midfielders in the Premier League. While often playing slightly deeper than Fernandes, his statistical profile shows he is elite at winning possession in the attacking third. He currently ranks in the top 80–95th percentile for successful passes into the penalty area (1.51 per 90), proving he has the vision to unlock defences from central areas. His greatest strength is his ability to transition the team. Like Fernandes, he isn't afraid to take risks, but he pairs this with a higher passing accuracy (roughly 82% compared to Fernandes' 79%). He would offer United a more "composed" version of Bruno, capable of both dictating the tempo from deep and providing the final ball in the final third. That said, at 28 he might not be a long-term solution, plus Newcastle have proven reluctant to lose their star midfielder to rivals in recent years. 1 of 5
The "chaos" replacement. If you are looking for a like-for-like replacement in terms of "risk-reward" playing style, Gibbs-White is the closest match in the Premier League. He shares Fernandes' "high-risk" distribution profile, evidenced by a similar passing accuracy (76.8%) which reflects his constant attempts at difficult, game-changing through-balls. Gibbs-White is the creative heartbeat of his team, much like Fernandes is at Old Trafford. He excels in "Shot-Creating Actions" and possesses a relentless work rate, often ranking high for distance covered and successful tackles. His leadership at Nottingham Forest suggests he could also fill the "vocal" void left if the United captain were to depart. It would most certainly set United back by a large sum, as Forest famously removed a release clause from the equation when a summer move to Tottenham Hotspur was recently blocked. 2 of 5
The emerging "modern 10." Nicolas Paz is the breakout star of Serie A, blending the "old school" flair of a traditional playmaker with "modern" physical demands. Under Cesc Fabregas at Como, he has become a statistical powerhouse, leading the league in several creative metrics including progressive passes received and shot-creating actions. What makes Paz a "perfect" Fernandes replacement is his hybrid nature. He stands at 1.86m, providing a physical presence in the air, yet he is one of the best dribblers on this list (leading his team in successful take-ons). He generates high "Expected Assists" and has the versatility to drop into a "No. 8" role, making him ideal for a team moving toward a more structured, possession-based system. The hurdle to clear would be Real Madrid's reported €9m (£7.9m) buy-back clause valid until June 2026, as well as a 50 per cent sell-on fee. 3 of 5
A "goal-threat" playmaker, Oihan Sancet offers a unique physical profile at 6'2", making him a major threat for late runs into the box - a specialty of Fernandes’ early years at United. He is highly effective on the half-turn, allowing him to receive the ball in tight spaces between the lines and immediately drive at opposition defenders. Statistically, Sancet stands out for his efficiency in the final third. He averages a high volume of key passes (1.73 per 90) and has a proven track record of double-digit goal contributions in La Liga. While he takes fewer "long-shot" risks than Fernandes, his ability to draw defenders out of position and create space for teammates makes him a lethal tactical tool against low-block defences. 4 of 5
A "precision" creator, Stiller is the most "conservative" and controlled option of the five, but he has been heavily linked to United as a potential long-term successor. His passing accuracy is significantly higher than Fernandes' (84.8% vs 79.3%), suggesting he would be the pick if United wanted to reduce the amount of "cheap" possession lost in midfield. Despite being more of a "controller," Stiller's creative output remains high. The German matches Fernandes closely in "big chances created" and progressive carries. He would represent a shift in style toward a more "surgical" midfield - less chaotic than the current setup, but equally effective at moving the ball forward and maintaining pressure on the opposition. 5 of 5