Bruno Fernandes opens up on doubt over starting role due to new Man Utd transfer target

Bruno Fernandes admits the emergence of Portugal international star Joao Neves – who is wanted by Manchester United – is motivating him to improve his own performance.

The talented Neves, 19, broke through into the first-team ranks of Benfica in the second half of last season and won his first international cap for Portugal this month. Neves made 31 appearances for Benfica and has started eight of the side’s matches this campaign – including their Portuguese Super Cup clash against Porto and both Champions League matches to date.

United tracks have been monitoring the teenager’s progress and are keen to put in place the building blocks for his signature. He caught the attention of United last season and this summer transfer window saw the Red Devils accelerate their interest for a future deal.

Neves has been described as ‘ Bruno Fernandes 2.0’ but the two are positionally different; the Benfica youngster possesses technical ability at the base of the midfield to help control games and encourage his side to have long spells in possession.

However, both are midfielders and the two are hugely combative – two Portuguese stars who are constantly in the thick of the action and have significant numbers of tackles, as they both appear to be constantly in the thick of the action.

Fernandes has now spoken about his fears over a starting place at international level for Portugal by outlining the quality of the generation coming through into the ranks. The United star namechecked Neves as the one star who is keeping him on his toes.

“I had to earn my place in the team,” Fernandes told reporters this week, in quotes carried by Portuguese media outlet Desporto Ao Minuto. “I think I did it enough to and now, I'm having to keep my space. I