Raphinha and Fernandes' unique relationship as 'brothers' tipped for Utd reunion

Raphinha and Bruno Fernandes share a unique relationship despite their limited playing time together as talk of a move to Manchester United heats up.

The Leeds United star has had a fine debut campaign in the Premier League after joining from Rennes.

It continues the 24-year-old's rise to fame, where he catapulted the French side to Champions League qualification.

And the year before, the Brazilian plied his trade for Sporting Lisbon where he shared a dressing room with Fernandes for one season.

This is where duo became really strong pals, enjoying a fine campaign as they led their side to silverware in the form of two cups by the end of the year.

In 2019, they both scored in the Taca de Portugal final penalty shootout to win the cup against Porto.

Earlier that year, Sporting claimed the Taca de Liga - again a shootout victory in which Fernandes netted.

Fernandes was in brilliant form that season finishing as the club’s top scorer with 32 in all competitions, while Raphinha ended with seven.

That summer, the winger would leave for France and Fernandes was without his buddy.

In December that year, he said: “Raphinha, I miss Raphinha.

“He’s a player with whom I had a different chemistry from the others. He understood me at a glance.

“I also miss him because he brought joy to the locker room. He’s also a responsible and hardworking person.”

And the feeling was mutual, with Raphinha admitting Fernandes is like an "older brother" to him.

Interest is high in the Brazilian's services, with Liverpool also a potential party who have several of his pals as well.

“Funny that I have friends in both clubs. Bruno Fernandes played with me for a year that seemed like many more at Sporting (Lisbon). He became almost an older brother,” Raphinha said.

“We talk every day, but not football, just our antics. Even from a distance, it helps me a lot.

“At United, there's Alex Telles. I did not even know how many times against him, a hard scorer, but always with respect. There's Fred, who's from the South too.

“But in Liverpool there is Alisson who is from the South too, so everything stays the same. There is still Fabinho, who is from the same place as Firmino and I.

“In fact, did you know that Firmino was the first guy who texted me when I came here? He's a great friend.”

And United's Fred has even spilled the beans, revealing how Fernandes often talks about his former team-mate.

He said: “Bruno’s been talking about Raphinha ever since he arrived. They played together at Sporting.

"He’s a great player having an amazing season and a lot of clubs have their eye on him. I met him recently, great guy, excellent player."

United are looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to finally bring silverware to the club after four years without a trophy.

Jadon Sancho has been heavily linked with a move while Raphinha is adaptable on either flank.

The Brazilian played 38 games in all competitions for Leeds this season, scoring eight and assisting 11.

The Red Devils also want to bring in a striker with Harry Kane and Erling Haaland top of their wish list, while other targets include Declan Rice, Raphael Varane and Kieran Trippier.