Fernandes wants to stay - but said he would willingly go if the club decided to
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Speaking after the Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao, Bruno Fernandes has said that while he wants to stay at Manchester United, he will leave if the club decide to 'cash in' on him - and some Manchester Evening News readers in our comments section, still smarting from the crushing loss, think that it could be the club captain's time to leave too.
Fernandes was visibly upset after the final whistle, and said: "I have always been honest. I've always said I will be here until the club says to me that it's time to go." The Portuguese star arrived in January 2020, and he's been United's star consistent performer, repeatedly rescuing results when the rest of the team has underperformed, but he wasn't able to do the same in Bilbao.
Fernandes added: "I'm eager to do more, to be able to bring the club the great days. In the day that the club thinks that I'm too much or it's time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I've always said it and I keep my word in the same way. If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it's what it is, and football sometimes is like this."
Still hurting from the loss, some fans think the end is near for Fernandes too. Reader SimplyRed60 says: "Sell Bruno while we can get a decent fee. He's never been the captain we need. Yes, he has shone when all around him has been dire, but we need a complete rebuild - culture and style. And for that we need fresh blood after a mass clear out. The challenge is however, we need a manager to start that rebuild and sadly (as he seems like a genuine guy) that's not Amorim."
Commenter Backdraft writes: "You need your big players to be taking the game by the scruff of the neck and he didn't do it last night. Complained about every decision and even berated his own players when he made one of countless misplaced passes. He is not a leader, nor is he even a Cantona.
"I will give a comparison of what a leader is. Keane in '99 in Juventus. We are two down and he is booked and will miss the final. He dragged that team back into the game and pulled us over the line. Time to cash in."
RedIsRed says: "Every player must have this attitude. Collectively they have delivered the worst season in the memory of a huge chunk of United fans. We can question coaching and tactics but there were at least a dozen games they could have won with just pride and determination. Last night showed us we don't have a hero. Bruno is probably the best of a bad lot but not a hero. He won't hurt us if stays but might help us if he goes. Money talks."
Rickster 10 writes: "I think Bruno's time at United has run it's course. If there's silly money being offered for him, take it. When things in a game are not going his way, he becomes anonymous. We've known since Amorim came in a rebuild is required. Give him the chance to do it."
Not everyone feels the same way. Utd4me says: "If Bruno leaves we are done for, he's been United's best player and his goals are the only thing that's prevented them from being relegated this season. Championship football incoming if he doesn't stay."
Reader Steviweavi agrees: "If they allow Bruno to leave, we'll be like this for another decade." TT84 adds: "Let's be honest, we won't get £100m for him. As good as he is, his age is against him. Are we really prepared to lose a player who brings what he brings, and for what? We will have enough money for a forward. That will make a dent into how we do going forward."
Rickba writes: "It's not easy to find such talented players as Bruno. Our best player this season. Can't imagine where we would be without him. Why sell our best player? Don't forget how many times he has won us games this season. It would be a travesty to sell him, then having to find a player with Bruno's talent."
Have your say! Is it time to say goodbye to Bruno Fernandes? Or do his contributions speak for themselves? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.