Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes
Ruben Amorim has told Bruno Fernandes he is NOT leaving Manchester United this summer, despite Real Madrid's interest in the midfielder.
Fernandes signed a new contract at Old Trafford last summer to make him one of the club's highest earners, but that hasn't stopped him from attracting interest from elsewhere. Reports have claimed that Real are eyeing up a stunning £90million move for the former Sporting CP man.
The 30-year-old has been scouted by Carlo Ancelotti's representatives at 'virtually every single Man Utd home and away game' this season. Los Blancos believe that Fernandes could help take them to the next level.
Despite this, Amorim has squashed any suggestions that Fernandes could depart United in the summer window. "No, it's not going to happen," Amorim stressed when asked if the United captain may leave.
"That (becoming more competitive) is the challenge. I want Bruno here because maybe in the lowest moments of our season he... We want to win the Premier League again, so we want the best players to continue with us.
"He's 29, I think, but he's still so young because he plays 55 games every season and between assists and goals he's there for 30 at least. So he’s the type of player we want here so he's not going anywhere.
"We are in control of the situation and I feel that he is really happy here, especially because he understands what we want to do and then I think he is one more supporter of Man United. He really feels it.
"Sometimes the frustration that you see, that everybody sees and maybe says, is not a good thing in a captain. It's a sign that he wants this so bad. This is the kind of player that we want and he's not going anywhere because I've already told him!"
As Fernandes is set to stay at United, the club now need to make several changes to ensure the squad can live up to his level. They must improve in several areas and get the team challenging back near the top of the Premier League, even if this might not be a quick fix.
This summer, United need to sign at least three elite-level Premier League players. That would be the start to getting the squad up to Fernandes' standard, with a new centre forward the priority.
It's clear that Amorim isn't keen on Rasmus Hojlund as the long-term solution up front and Joshua Zirkzee has been much-improved in a deeper role, leaving a No.9 as a must. But who could United sign? Liam Delap, at this stage, does seem the perfect fit due to his age, profile and valuation.
United might be able to secure Delap's services for around £40m this summer following an impressive debut season at Ipswich. The 22-year-old has plundered 10 goals in 28 Premier League appearances this term and he has the potential to lead the line for United for many years to come.
Elsewhere, United need to sign another top-class attacking midfielder. They must sign someone who can play in one of those No.10s behind the striker. At the moment, Alejandro Garnacho and Zirkzee have been used there, but it does feel like United need to add someone else to the mix.
The player that seems perfect for that role is Matheus Cunha. He is expected to depart Wolves for a fee in the region of £60m this summer and United should attempt to bring him to Old Trafford. The Brazil international has 15 goals in 29 matches in 2024/25 and would add much-needed quality to the United front line.
Another position that United need to strengthen is at centre-back. If Manuel Ugarte and Fernandes can establish themselves as the central midfield pair, Patrick Dorgu at left-wing back and Diogo Dalot at right-wing back, it leaves the three centre-backs up for debate - and United need to bolster that area with one signing.
To be able to play alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro or Ayden Heaven, Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton is the man United should be looking at. It's reported that the England ace could be available for £50m and that would be a snip. He has been excellent for the Toffees over recent years and would strengthen United at the back.