A Manchester United star could now "reconsider" his future amid interest from Saudi Arabia, a journalist has revealed.
Man Utd star could change his stance on leaving
Ruben Amorim appears to be under serious pressure after Man United's poor start to the Premier League campaign, with Wayne Rooney suggesting the manager hasn't been able to make any improvements since the departure of Erik ten Hag.
Rooney said: "I want to be as supportive and positive as I can. But it is very difficult to sit here and say we are seeing progression. We’re seeing none of that, and it is very difficult. I think if the manager is honest with himself, it has got worse."
Issues are also mounting in midfield, with Kobbie Mainoo pushing for an exit during the January transfer window, after falling down the pecking order under Amorim, most recently only featuring as a second-half substitute against Manchester City.
Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes were given the nod in central midfield instead, with the Portugal international featuring slightly deeper than he is suited to, given that Amorim is uncompromising about playing a 3-4-1-2 system.
There were some suggestions that Fernandes could have left during the summer transfer window, amid interest from the Saudi Pro League, and there has now been a new update on the Portugal international's Old Trafford future.
Football Insider journalist Pete O'Rourke said: "I would fully expect that Saudi interest to continue. It hasn’t really gone away. There was talks held with his agent and everything else, but Fernandes decided to stay at Manchester United.
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"He is happy at United right now, but I think a lot will depend on how Man United do this season. If they were to endure another struggle in the Premier League and everything else, then Fernandes could reconsider his position at the end of the season and move on."
Man Utd letting Fernandes leave would be major gamble
Very few Man United signings in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era have worked out, but the 31-year-old is one of the only exceptions, recording 38 goal contributions in all competitions over the course of the 2024-25 campaign.
Competition Appearances Goal contributions
Premier League 36 19
FA Cup 3 3
EFL Cup 3 4
Community Shield 1 1
Europa League 14 11
That said, there are doubts over whether the £300k-a-week Portugal international fits into Amorim's system, with Paul Scholes saying: "He is the most creative player on the team, he should be playing as the No 10, there is no doubt about that. But he is being asked to do something different."
Consequently, if Amorim remains at Old Trafford, it may be best for all parties if Fernandes moves on, but it would be a huge gamble, and the 40-year-old will need to improve results soon, with United collecting just four points from their opening four games.