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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Kyle Newbould

Manchester United interested in goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen as Bruno Fernandes sends message to doubters

Bart Verbruggen interest

Manchester United are interested in Anderlecht goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen amid uncertainty over David de Gea's No.1 status beyond this season. Verbruggen, 20, was given his Anderlecht debut at the age of 18 by Vincent Kompany two years ago and has played 31 times for the Belgian club.

The Dutchman received his maiden call-up to the Netherlands squad last month and was on the bench for the European Championship qualifying win over Gibraltar.

Also read: Exclusive: United preparing for Amad's return to squad

United manager Erik ten Hag has favoured signings developed in the Netherlands, having bought Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord and Lisandro Martinez and Antony from Ajax. Christian Eriksen came through the Ajax academy and loanee Wout Weghorst is a Netherlands international.

Although De Gea is expected to sign a new contract with United, figures at the club are planning to phase him out and he is not assured of his first-choice role next term.

Read the full story here.

Bruno Fernandes message

Bruno Fernandes has predicted 'much bigger things' from his United side as he recalled how the team's doubters weren't even backing them for a top-six spot at the beginning of the season.

United have been in the driving seat for Champions League qualification for much of the campaign, but consecutive defeats by Brighton and West Ham have allowed a resurgent Liverpool to make up ground. Jurgen Klopp's side have won their last five and are now just a point off the Reds, having played a game more.

Erik ten Hag's side have four games to secure their place in next season's flagship European competition, which would make the season a resounding success following the Carabao Cup win and an FA Cup final on the horizon. Victims of their own success, progression into the latter stages of all competitions has meant an unrelenting schedule, with this period between West Ham and Wolves the first five-day break since Christmas.

They will end the season having played 62 games in total, but while fatigue looks to be affecting the players, Fernandes insists the squad are still fighting and expects them to go further in the future.

See what the Reds midfielder had to say here.

Get your hands on our 48-page souvenir United v City FA Cup final print supplement by clicking here.

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