Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes is reportedly contemplating an exit from the club after previously urging the management to step up their game in the transfer market. The Portuguese star signed a new contract with the Red Devils in August last year. However, this extension only came into being after Fernandes made it crystal clear to United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he expected the club to bring in top-tier players to compete with the very best.
United's current pull in the market is now at risk, leading to speculation that the midfielder is pondering a move away, with Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal rumoured to be showing interest. United's defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur and their subsequent inability to offer European football next season could make attracting some of the sport's biggest names to Old Trafford a challenging task. Financial worries are also set to pose a problem for Ruben Amorim this summer.
Upon signing his contract extension, Fernandes told the club's website: "The club knew that I want to compete with the best teams. They knew that we needed to improve the team. And I think that we're doing that.
"I said to them, 'I don't need you to promise me that we're going to win the league, because no one can promise that. But at least that we will have a team to compete and be competitive throughout the season, to try to achieve silverware and to compete at the highest levels.'"
Under the previous management of Erik ten Hag, United did fulfil their part of the bargain last summer. Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Noussair Mazraoui were all signed for combined fees believed to be around £200million.
In a move that could show some ambition to Fernandes, it's understood that United are hoping to secure a £62.5m deal for Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha. Regardless, Fernandes' agent, Miguel Pinho, is already thought to have held talks with Al-Hilal about a sensational £100m transfer.
United have also not dismissed his potential sale with every member of their underperforming squad believed to be on the market. Al-Hilal are keen to finalise a deal swiftly so that Fernandes, 30, can represent them in the Club World Cup in the United States next month.
After United's Europa League final defeat, Fernandes cast doubt on his future by suggesting the club could "cash in" on him. United signed Fernandes from Sporting CP in January 2020 for a fee rising to £67.7million.
He was United's leading scorer in 2024/25 with 19 goals and he retained the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award - an honour he has won in four out of his six seasons at the club. United's head coach also emphasised the player's importance this week.
"[Fernandes] is really important for us and what we want to build for the team. We talk about this many times," Amorim said. "You can see by his performances. You can see by his leadership. You can see the passion he has for the game. In difficult moments, Bruno is the guy who takes responsibility. He should do because he is the captain."