Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes (Image: Getty Images)
Real Madrid are plotting a record swoop for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes in the summer transfer window, it has been claimed.
The Portugal international has been in stunning form for United this season, with the midfielder scoring 16 times and adding 16 assists in 44 appearances. It's a sensational return for a player that has been used as a defensive midfielder in several matches under Ruben Amorim, and part of a team that has struggled for the vast majority of the campaign.
But, despite criticism from the likes of Roy Keane, Fernandes continues to be a standout performer for United and has popped up with some vital moments in recent weeks. Notably, Fernandes scored a hat-trick as United beat Real Sociedad 4-1 in the Europa League, and he also found the net in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal.
With this in mind, it's not a surprise that Fernandes is being linked with a move elsewhere. According to the Daily Star, Los Blancos are eyeing up a £90m move for the former Sporting CP sensation.
Fernandes has been scouted by Carlo Ancelotti's representatives at "virtually every single Man United home and away game" this season, the report claims. It is added that club chiefs believe Fernandes could help take Real to the next level.
Having signed Fernandes for a reported £67m in January 2020, United would make a sizeable profit on the midfielder should he leave to join Real and they could use the £90m on reinvesting in the rest of the squad.
Plus, as Fernandes is set to turn 31 in September, it may make sense to cash in while they can. Here, our Manchester Evening News writers deliver their verdict on whether United should keep or sell...
Kieran King
Although it might be tempting to cash in and spend the money on a new centre forward, United must keep hold of Fernandes. He is too important for them and it might take more than £90m to replace him with someone who produces anywhere near the same output.
Yes, he is getting to an age now where United are unlikely to fetch anymore than that, if they decide to sell him in the future, but that should be irrelevant when considering whether to keep him. United should look at selling other players in an attempt to raise funds instead, and not Fernandes.
If United were without Fernandes this season, I believe they would be in a relegation battle. He has saved them on that many occasions and scored some crucial goals at crucial times.
You cannot lose a player who is that important to you, regardless of his age, the price and how United can spend it.
Tom Doyle
Fernandes is clearly United's best player and in years gone by, Real have raided United for their crown jewels. But it speaks volumes that were they to do it again, Fernandes wouldn't even be guaranteed a starting role at the Bernabeu.
An optimistic United fan would keep Fernandes central to the club's rebuild, guiding young prospects over the next two to three years as Amorim moulds a team capable of a title challenge. But is that realistic? And will Fernandes believe it possible either?
In any case, I would be surprised if Real offered a cash-strapped United the full £90m for a 30-year-old, no matter how impressive his natural fitness and injury record - but if they did, I would be even more stunned if Ineos turned it down. That money could allow United to keep Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, recruit a top striker and bring in one or two more canny signings to bolster the ranks.
There are also still questions over how Fernandes fits into Amorim's 3-4-2-1; he thrives precisely because he is unpredictable, and not really a systems player at all. Amorim may privately hope Mainoo and Mason Mount would step up, and even thrive, in Fernandes' absence - but that is a big ask after their disappointing campaigns.
Fernandes has often been compared to former United captain Bryan Robson; a great player, playing for a great club at the wrong time. A deal which makes sense for all parties: Real get a bona fide difference-maker in big games; Fernandes would get the medals he deserves, and United can bankroll a desperately-needed rebuild. I say shake hands and sell.
Matthew Abbott
It is hard to envisage Ineos turning down any £90m offer for Fernandes. If they are to receive such a significant offer from Real Madrid and Fernandes is willing to leave, then it is a deal they should begrudgingly accept.
As crucial as their captain is, it would represent a record sale and significantly more than what they recouped for Cristiano Ronaldo, albeit 15 years ago. In fact, such a sum is more than the combined fees received at the time from their current third and fourth most expensive departures, Angel Di Maria and David Beckham.
Considering the noises coming out of the club, they have hardly ever been as cash-strapped as they now are. Amorim has to bankroll a rebuild somehow, and selling Fernandes for close to £100m seems to be the best long-term option for doing so, even if it leads to more immediate pain by selling their best player.
United have done it before. They now may need to do so again.
Bruna Reis
Money talks. While it’s difficult to envisage United not being tempted to accept that sum for a player in their battle to stay within the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, they might not see a club willing to pay a similar figure for the 30-year-old in the future.
However, given the role Fernandes has on and off the pitch at Old Trafford, it would be no small task for another player to step up in his place. His influence extends far beyond his technical ability.
His personality on the field is fiercely competitive as he demands high standards from his teammates, and never shies away from a challenge. This is one of the many factors that has made him a crucial figure in United’s attempt at greatness again post-Sir Alex Ferguson.
I believe that without him in the team, United would currently be in a fight against relegation. We’ve seen time and time again that he can win games and he is one of only a few players that can do that in this current team.
Replacing Fernandes, especially in terms of his ability to unlock defences, would be difficult but, ultimately, financial considerations will always play a part in the decision-making process of the club.
Matty Hewitt
Although £90m seems an astounding price tag for a player in his 30s, United should avoid selling Fernandes at all costs. Sure, he divides opinion but his statistics speak for themselves.
Had the Portuguese playmaker played in a United side ten or twenty years previous, he'd no doubt be talked about as a club great. His problem has always been the players around him have not delivered like he has.
Of course, there's the counter argument regarding his attitude in recent seasons, but his influence on the squad this season needs no explaining. Without him, the club would be in a bigger mess than they already are.
Amorim has already played down talk of a departure and that should be the stance of the entire club, regardless of their ongoing battle with FFP and Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Isaac Seelochan
Fernandes will be near the top of any list when it comes to players who divide opinion.
The Reds' captain has been an ever-present figure during the good and bad days at Old Trafford since joining from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020. In truth, he has been one of the few success stories at M16 over the past decade.
Yes, his petulant behaviour on the pitch can be off-putting. However, what he offers United on the pitch has made him irreplaceable for Ruben Amorim.
If every United player had Fernandes' work ethic, they wouldn't be in this mess. It's why the Portuguese should be at the centre of United's rebuild going into next season along with Amad, Mainoo and Leny Yoro.
Jack Flintham
If Fernandes was to be an option for Real Madrid at £90m, I would be inclined to say that United must sell him. Do not get me wrong, the Portuguese captain has been a good servant for the club and he is arguably United's only world class player at the moment.
However, he is 30. The Reds would be stupid not to sell him for such money when he is starting to head towards the twilight of his career.
Money is not flowing massively at Old Trafford and Amorim needs the funds to strengthen this beleaguered squad. If that means selling Fernandes to do it, then so be it.
I do doubt that Real will be willing to pay £90m for the midfielder though. Unlike United, they have not gained success by paying silly money for players who are ageing.