-
News
- 31 minutes ago
Man Utd eye €80m signing who would unleash Fernandes but spell the end of Mainoo
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 25 Oct 2025 12:16 BST
- 4 min read
News
Manchester United’s decision to move for Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic is a move capable of unleashing Bruno Fernandes, according to an expert.
Bruno has been far from his best this season, but moving for the Germany international could secure the perfect foil for the Portugal international.
Equally, though, it is a worrying move for Kobbie Mainoo.
Compared
Bruno Fernandes
AM, M (C)
Man Utd
Bruno Fernandes
AM, M (C)
Man Utd
VS
Aleksandar Pavlovic
DM (C)
Bayern Munich
Aleksandar Pavlovic
DM (C)
Bayern Munich
|
|
ETV |
|
| €46.3M - €56.6M | ETV Range | €54.1M - €66.2M |
| 31 years old (08 Sep, 1994) | Age | 21 years old (03 May, 2004) |
|
Portugal
|
Nationality |
Serbia
|
Mainoo has been left unsettled by the arrival of Ruben Amorim at the Red Devils. He has fallen from a starter to become little more than a bit-part figure in the plans on the club, and it increasingly looks like he has no future at Old Trafford.
Indeed, United look like they are actively trying to replace him, with CaughtOffside reporting that they are ready to make an €80 million move for Pavlovic.
One unnamed source is quoted as saying: “United see Pavlovic as one option to replace Casemiro. Manuel Ugarte is also not seen as a long-term option. A move in January is unlikely, but he’ll be one to watch next summer.”
The end for Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford?
This is ominous news for Mainoo, who has already seen the Red Devils linked with a string of central midfielders as the January transfer window approaches. Meanwhile, the youngster is thought to be pushing for an exit on loan.
Man Utd were unsuccessful in their attempt to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton in the summer, while they have also been following Adam Wharton on Crystal Palace.
Pavlovic, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €60.2m, is another option on their shortlist.
While CaughtOffside suggests he could be a replacement for Casemiro, as a deep-lying playmaker, he is a closer match to Mainoo. A quicker and more athletic version of the England star, he would appear better suited to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system than the Carrington academy graduate.
Expert Opinion: Pavlovic is Bruno’s perfect partner
Bundesliga expert Tom Weber told FootballTransfers: “Aleksandr Pavlovic was hailed as Germany's heir to Toni Kroos by BILD shortly after breaking onto the scene at Bayern in 2023/24. Despite his youth, Pavlovic immediately took charge of set pieces for the Munich club and looked assured whenever he stepped onto the pitch.
“Fast forward a couple of seasons and the 21-year-old is a full-fledged Germany international and there are certainly shades of Kroos in the way he goes about his business. Calm in possession, Pavlovic has an eye for a pass. However, what sets him apart from the Real Madrid legend is that he is not afraid to do the dirty work for Bayern and let the others superstars work their magic.
“Pavlovic is a fiery, all-action central midfielder who wears his heart on his sleeve. He blends creativity with defensive discipline and, as such, would be better suited to Man Utd than compatriot Angelo Stiller, who is not quite as fond of getting stuck in as Pavlovic. Whereas the style of Stiller would likely clash with Bruno Fernandes, Pavlovic would be more complementary, capable of providing balance but also of producing the odd moment of magic.”
