Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes was reason Ole Gunnar Solskjaer didn’t sign one player

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer didn’t sign Jack Grealish in January because he thought Bruno Fernandes was a more attainable transfer target, reports say. Grealish is, however, on the Norwegian’s radar ahead of the summer.

Manchester United went into the January transfer window knowing they needed a playmaker to help their season.

And they got one in Fernandes, who has enjoyed a stunning start to life at Old Trafford so far.

The Portugal international has flourished in two games against Club Brugge, as well as Premier League matches against Wolves, Chelsea and Watford.

Now, United are hoping Fernandes will be joined by Grealish when the transfer window reopens this summer.

And The Sun say Fernandes was actually the reason the Aston Villa star didn’t join in the New Year.

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United’s interest in Grealish has been well-documented in recent months.

He’s overtaken James Maddison to become the club’s leading transfer target, helping Villa keep their hopes of avoiding relegation alive.

And United merely thought signing Fernandes would be more straightforward than getting the Villa star.

Dean Smith’s side have relied on Grealish this season.

And there was never any chance of Villa selling their star asset at such a crucial and important point in the campaign.

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Meanwhile, former Villa star Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Grealish to reject a move to United.

And that’s because he feels the 24-year-old has what it takes to play at clubs like Barcelona and Juventus.

“I am not just saying this as I have played with him, but I honestly think he is the best attacking midfield option that England have got at this current time,” Agbonlahor told The Sun.

“That is why, when people say Grealish to Manchester United, he could do so much better than that.

“He could walk into any team in the world, even Barcelona or Juventus.

“For where Manchester United are now, he could go to better teams around the world, so he doesn’t need to limit himself to just United and focus on teams who are playing in the Champions League.

“The good thing about Jack is that he can run with and without the ball, play in different positions and score goals.

“He is the type of player that fans of football will go to a game to specifically watch him, even if they aren’t fans of Villa.”

Grealish is set to start for Aston Villa when they lock horns with Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final this afternoon (4.30pm).

City going into the game as favourites having won the trophy twice in as many years under Pep Guardiola.

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