Who is Francisco Ramos? Transfer Bruno Fernandes wants Manchester United to do this summer

Francisco Ramos was surprised to be linked with Manchester United this week after receiving praise from close friend Bruno Fernandes.

In a question and answer session on Instagram Live, the Man Utd star was asked which player would bring Old Trafford with him if given power.

Fernandes replied: “It is very difficult to choose, because I have many people in the locker room who are my friend. Wherever I played … Francisco Ramos”.

Ramos, modestly, accepted that he does not have the same quality as his close friend Fernandes, but appreciated the mention.

“I am Bruno’s friend and we talk every day, so I already thanked him for his thoughts,” Ramos told the Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.

“He replied that he did me no favors. We may have similar characteristics, but his finish and final ball are more accurate.”

Career

Fernandes has enjoyed a great start to his career in England since moving from Sporting Lisbon, scoring three goals and recording four assists. So when the new United star recommended that his club should sign Ramos, people took notice.

But on a deeper look, he let some scratch their heads with Ramos is something of an unknown amount outside of his homeland.

The 25-year-old has a contract with Vitoria Guimaraes, but has spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Portuguese League rival Santa Clara, where he has made 21 appearances.

Ramos, more commonly known as ‘Chico’, began his career in Porto and appeared mainly for the ‘B’ team, which plays in the Second Division.

He made just three appearances for the Portuguese giants before moving to Vitoria in 2017 on a free transfer, but has found regular playing time with Santa Clara.

Although his career at the club has not yet really come to fruition, the midfielder was featured prominently at the international youth level for Portugal. In fact, he has represented his country at all levels, from under-16s to the under-23 team at the Olympics, but never reached the high-level grade with Fernando Santos.

Playing style

Standing at 6’0 with a slim frame, Ramos is a typical deep midfielder who links defense to attack and tends to protect all four behinds to provide balance while others venture forward.

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But his lack of physical strength would make it easy enough to remove the ball and with his lack of experience playing at the highest level, it remains to be seen if he could stand up to the pace and quality of the Premier League.

Suitability

If there’s a department where United doesn’t need backup, it’s their midfield.

In addition to Paul Pogba and Fred, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has Scott McTominay and Andreas Pereira as options in midfield, along with Nemanja Matic, who recently signed a 12-month contract.

While he has a huge admirer at Fernandes, Ramos would hardly register as an inspiring signing for Red Devils fans like Jadon Sancho or Harry Kane.