According to Sky Sports, Manchester United's interest in Fernandez-Pardo is tied directly to what happens with Zirkzee. The Dutch forward arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 from Bologna and has failed to establish himself under manager Michael Carrick. A return to Serie A is considered the most likely outcome. Until that departure is confirmed, there is no room in the budget for a direct replacement.
Fernandez-Pardo, born in Brussels on February 3, 2005, came through the academies of Anderlecht, Mechelen and Lille before spending two seasons at Gent, where he developed as a professional in the Belgian Pro League. He joined Lille's first team in the summer of 2024 and has since made himself one of the more promising young forwards in Ligue 1.
In 29 league appearances during the 2025-26 season, he scored eight goals and contributed five assists as Lille finished third in France. He can play as a central striker, on either wing and as a number 10.
His international situation was resolved only this spring. Fernandez-Pardo had been associated with Spain's youth setup, but in May 2026 FIFA approved his switch of allegiance back to Belgium.
He has since been included in Belgium's squad for the World Cup, where his performances alongside the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku and Romelu Lukaku could significantly alter his market value.
United are not alone in monitoring him. Manchester City, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have all been linked with interest, according to French and English reports. Lille's asking price has been described in French media as substantial, without a confirmed figure being established.
What Fernandez-Pardo offers United is flexibility. Carrick's attack requires width, a goal threat from positions other than the striker role, and quality that can operate within a pressing system. The Belgian's profile matches all three requirements.
Whether the World Cup accelerates or complicates the pursuit depends entirely on how he performs on the biggest stage. United will be watching, along with the rest of European football.