Manchester United can take inspiration from Liverpool’s best example of business in the past 10 years.
After a dire start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, Manchester United have four points from as many games.
Ruben Amorim has been subjected to criticism, and the pressure has increased since the beginning of the new campaign.
Some of the biggest concerns stem from Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system and how United are not winning matches consistently. There’s also a fear that any hope for the season could diminish prematurely, especially if these poor results continue.
The one area United didn’t strengthen in the summer was midfield, despite signing five new players, including Senne Lammens on deadline day. Ineos are expected to address that in January when they continue their rebuild of United’s first team.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on September 14, 2025
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Man Utd can fund midfield signing by selling Bruno Fernandes
Ineos had to work extremely hard to get rid of certain players in the summer, which was further proof that United struggle to sell players.
Alejandro Garnacho and Antony were both sold to different clubs, while others left on loan.
Bruno Fernandes turned down offers from Saudi Arabia to remain at United, but the Portugal international does not appear to be suited to his new role in Amorim’s system.
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The 31-year-old is better further forward as one of the number 10s, as it allows him to create more opportunities, while having fewer defensive responsibilities.
Unless Amorim pushes Fernandes further forward, his compatriot will continue to struggle in the centre of the pitch with a singular partner. It could be argued that it’s a systemic issue, especially when teams find it easy to play against United with three central midfielders.
However, selling Fernandes would see Ineos cash in on United’s best player. To many United fans that will sound crazy.
Fernandes is a player United can rely on to provide big moments in games. He’s done that every season since moving to Old Trafford from Sporting CP in 2021, which explains how Fernandes won United’s Player of the Year award four times.
In 2018, Liverpool made a similar sacrifice by selling Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in January 2018. It turned out to be the best bit of business conducted by Liverpool in recent years as it helped set Jurgen Klopp up for success.
Liverpool reluctantly agreed to part ways with Coutinho once he made it clear his dream was to move to Barcelona. Klopp was happy for the Brazilian to stay, but the £142 million transfer worked in their favour at Anfield.
The money received for Coutinho allowed Liverpool to invest heavily in the transfer market. Klopp addressed his issues in defence by signing Virgil van Dijk from Southampton, while Alisson followed the Dutch defender from Roma a few months later.
United can take this as an example of shrewd business, should they decide to cash in on Fernandes midway through the season. He will have no shortage of offers from Saudi Arabia.
Fernandes one goal away from incredible milestone
Fernandes has been United’s most important player since joining the club.
Playing 25,065 minutes in a Red shirt to date, Fernandes has scored 99 goals across all competitions.
Games Goals Assists
295 19 86
Bruno Fernandes stats as a Manchester United player
That means Fernandes is one goal away from the 100 milestone, which means he is currently the 19th top scorer in United’s history.
Fernandes has scored more goals for United than Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Anthony Martial and Bryan Robson.