Sheringham's Bold Call: Sell Fernandes, Sign Forest Duo as Carrick Impresses

Teddy Sheringham has thrown down a provocative suggestion regarding Manchester United's midfield future, proposing that offloading Bruno Fernandes could unlock funds to bring in two Nottingham Forest prospects.

The Red Devils have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence under Michael Carrick's stewardship, stringing together seven victories, a pair of draws, and just a single defeat since the former England midfielder took temporary charge.

Fernandes has been instrumental throughout this impressive run, contributing eight goals and 16 assists across 28 Premier League outings this season. Yet Sheringham believes the Portugal star's captaincy may be hindering rather than helping his overall contribution.

"He's been phenomenal, but I still don't think he's captain material," Sheringham told BestBettingSites. "I think he'd be better if he wasn't captain. His performances over the last three years have been unbelievable, leading by example — and I know that's what captains do — but he's probably a little bit too much of a flair player to be captain in my opinion."

The former United striker reckons a strategic departure could strengthen the squad elsewhere. "If you get good money for him, you could maybe buy two players coming into their prime," he explained. "I don't know what they'd get for Fernandes, but if you could get Anderson and half of Gibbs-White, you'd probably take that."

However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on any exit speculation. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Champions League qualification has significantly boosted Fernandes' appetite to remain at Old Trafford.

"What I can tell you is that over the last few weeks, the prospect of playing Champions League football again with Manchester United has really made an impact on Bruno Fernandes," Romano stated. "At the moment, from Saudi Arabia, they still want Bruno. They have wanted him for a long time, from Al Hilal and before that too. But Bruno is very tempted by the idea of playing Champions League football with United."

Romano added that the club harbour optimism regarding retention, with discussions likely to take place once the campaign concludes. "So Manchester United are optimistic about keeping him for next season. There will be a conversation between Bruno and United at the end of the season, and we will follow that. But for now, the club hope they can keep him and continue with Bruno in the project."

Meanwhile, Sheringham has been effusive in his praise of Carrick's managerial impact, urging the club to hand him the job on a permanent footing immediately.

"Yes, without a doubt. I think it's been phenomenal," Sheringham declared when asked if Carrick should be offered the role full-time. "For me, he's done an unbelievable job to turn things around so quickly. I like his manner as a manager — very composed."

The former striker stressed the importance of clarity heading into the summer window, suggesting that prolonged uncertainty over the manager's position could prove damaging to recruitment and squad morale.

"I would love to see him offered the job on a full-time basis, ideally before the end of the season so United can go into the summer with total clarity. There's been a few too many summers at the club where the manager's future is in doubt and we've seen the negative effect that can have on the place," Sheringham explained.

"He hasn't tried to reinvent the wheel. He's kept things simple, put his best players in the team and reverted to a brand of football that the players understand fully. There shouldn't be anyone else in the conversation for the United role based on what Michael has achieved since he walked through the door."