Manchester United were defeated 4-3 by Brentford at the weekendManchester United were defeated 4-3 by Brentford at the weekend
Manchester United were defeated 4-3 by Brentford at the weekend | Getty Images
Manchester United are in a difficult position following their defeat in the Europa League final.
Manchester United could have their hands tied when it comes to selling or keeping their most important players as they enter the summer transfer window.
With the Red Devils guaranteed to finish outside the Premier League top ten, the Europa League was their final chance of ending the season on a high. But a monumental triumph for Tottenham Hotspur only further highlighted United’s struggles.
United are expected to offload a fleet of first team players this summer and Bruno Fernandes could be on the outgoing list following recent developments outside of Old Trafford. The midfielder has been linked with a potential move to Saudi Arabia and talks are now ramping up.
Man United could be forced to sell Bruno Fernandes
According to Mailsport, the United captain has been approached by Al-Hilal over a summer move to the Saudi Pro League. The offer on the table is reportedly worth an eye-popping £200 million deal but the pressure now rests heavily on Fernandes.
Al-Hilal have set the 30-year-old a deadline for his response and are expecting an answer by the end of the month. The club is ‘increasingly hopeful’ Fernandes will be coaxed away from Old Trafford with their proposed offers.
Al-Hilal are willing to offer United a £100 million transfer fee for their captain, plus a contract offer of £700,000 per week for Fernandes, and up to £65 million a season, including a signing-on fee and bonuses.
United do not want to sell their captain but financial pressures may force their hand once the transfer window opens. Losing the Europa League final has cost the Red Devils £100 million in Champions League revenue.
What has Bruno Fernandes said about his future?
Fernandes has publicly addressed the idea of leaving Manchester United, revealing to fans that he is aware he could be sold on to generate cash for the club.
“I've always said I will be here until the club says to me that it's time to go. I'm eager to do more, to be able to bring the club to the great days,” the 30-year-old told the media after the Europa League final.
“But I've always said it and I keep my word in the same way. On 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. If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it is what it is and football sometimes is like this.”
Al-Hilal are reportedly eager to snap up a marquee signing before the Club World Cup next month. They are expected to put a final offer on the table for Fernandes in the coming days and give him a 72-hour deadline to respond before they shift their focus elsewhere.
This update on Fernandes’ future comes amid links with several other potential player exits. Alejandro Garnacho’s future is also in doubt, especially following his own post-match comments about his limited time on the pitch during the Europa League final.
“Up until the final I played every round helping the team, and today I play 20 minutes, I don't know," the Argentinian said.
“The final will influence [my decision] but the whole season, the situation of the club. I'm going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens afterwards.”
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