BILBAO, SPAIN - APRIL 13: Oihan Sancet of Athletic Club scores his team's third goal during the LaLiga match between Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano at Estadio de San Mames on April 13, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
It’s not easy being Manchester United right now. Despite an upcoming Europa League final, the mood around the club remains grim, overshadowed by their dismal domestic campaign.
With Champions League qualification hanging in the balance, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
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While a win in the final won’t erase the disappointment of this season, it could offer a lifeline, both financially and in terms of future squad-building.
Few Europa League finals in recent memory have had so much riding on them, particularly with both United and Spurs struggling in the Premier League.
Of course, there would be a school of thought that neither United nor Spurs deserve the Champions League based on how their league form has been this season but one cannot remember a Europa League final in recent times with more riding on it than this one.
The Bruno Fernandes problem
Even before the end of the current season, Man Utd have a problem to contend with and that is the future of club captain Bruno Fernandes.
As per Football Transfers, SPL club Al-Hilal are very keen on securing the Portuguese midfielder’s signature in the upcoming summer.
The report mentions that should the club captain choose to leave this upcoming summer, Man Utd have already identified their replacement – Oihan Sancet from Athletic Bilbao. The Spanish midfielder has been brilliant for the Basque club for quite some time now.
In 33 games this season across all competitions, the 25-year-old playmaker has netted 17 goals and provided three assists. He plays in a slightly deeper role at Bilbao than he would be expected to play in Amorim’s system and that bodes well.
Sancet has a release of around £67million in his contract with Athletic Bilbao and the Spanish club are never known to be favorable negotiators for any buying club. Thus, Man Utd might be forced to pay the entire fee should they wish to sign him.
There is absolutely no doubt that the Spaniard would be an excellent addition to the Man Utd squad but the club should make sure they convince Bruno to stay beyond this season.
Even in a dismal season like the current one, he has been their shining light alongside perhaps Amad Diallo.
In an ideal world, both players could coexist in Amorim’s evolving system. But if it comes down to a choice, the Red Devils can’t afford to lose their captain.
With major changes looming, Bruno’s leadership and creativity could be more vital than ever.