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Bruno Fernandes | Getty Images
Manchester United could face a battle to keep hold of the player down the line amid attention from elsewhere
Manchester United are back in Premier League action this weekend with a tricky away trip to Anfield to play Liverpool. Ruben Amorim’s side are currently positioned in 10th place in the table after their first seven fixtures. They have 10 points on the board and are four points off the top four.
The Red Devils won 2-0 at home against Sunderland last time out before the international break. Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko got their goals against the newly promoted Black Cats. That result should give them confidence as they prepare for their upcoming games.
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes linked with exit
United have the chance to do some incoming and outgoing business in the January transfer window. They have the opportunity to freshen up their squad if needed. The Red Devils were busy on the recruitment front over the summer and brought in the likes of Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to bolster their ranks, among others.
Reporter Simon Stones has shared this update regarding Bruno Fernandes’ long-term future at Old Trafford, as per a report by BBC Sport: “I have been told skipper Bruno Fernandes has no interest in moving to the Saudi Pro-League at the end of the season. In an ideal world for Fernandes, United would qualify for the Champions League next term and he would stay where he is. However, if he does move, it will be to a major European league.”
If he does leave United, they would want around £40million for his services, according to TEAMtalk journalist Dean Jones. He has delivered this verdict: “It now seems pretty clear that Bruno does not have much interest in a Saudi transfer, so let’s see if anything else opens up for him. Man Utd know that this is not going to be a case of selling him for mega money.
“Realistically, there seems to be a feeling that his value next summer would be somewhere around £40m based on his status right now. Maybe he does continue to see things through with Man Utd. Cashing in at that level may not be worth it. But I would not rule out the potential of a big club on the continent coming in for him to ask the question and turn his head. It is not that long ago that Real Madrid had interest in him, but did not follow through.
“He may not be the prime target as a central midfielder as of right now, but we know that is a position they are looking to strengthen next summer, and if other targets prove to be too expensive or unattainable for other reasons, then it is the sort of thing that might start to open up. Bayern Munich could always come back into the picture as well. For now, the player is going to completely focus on his job of helping Man Utd qualify for Europe this season.”
Manchester United need to keep Bruno Fernandes
United need to ensure that they get way more than £40million if they were to sell Fernandes. That wouldn’t be enough money to receive at all and would be £7million less than what they paid for him so it makes no business sense. He remains under contract until June 2027 meaning they are under no pressure to cash in and can wait for more.
At the age of 31, he still has a few more years to left to go and isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Letting him join another team in Europe wouldn't be a smart move either. That is because if they were to qualify for a European competition, they would be likely to line up against him wherever he could end up which wouldn’t be ideal.
The Red Devils snapped up Fernandes back in 2020 and he has since become one of thier most prized assets. Prior to his move to England, he had spells at Udinese, Sampdoria and Sporting Lisbon and caught the eye overseas. He injects invaluable quality into Amorim’s starting XI and a lot of creativity goes through him in the middle of the pitch.
Fernandes is irreplaceable at this moment in time for United and they simply can’t afford to cut ties with him yet. If they did, there is a distinct possibility that they could slide down the division, especially if they only got £40million for him as they wouldn’t be able to spend that on an adequate replacement. The Portugal international, who has 84 caps to his name, has made 298 appearances for his current club to date and has scored 100 goals, 19 of which came last term.
Amorim’s men are in for a tough test against Liverpool but should be in confident mood after seeing off Sunderland. Their upcoming opponents have dropped to 2nd behind Arsenal after their recent slump in form. Arne Slot’s side will be under pressure to return to winning ways.
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