Paul Scholes believes Manchester United should "bite Al-Hilal's hand off" after the Saudi Pro League side reportedly offered a whopping £100million for Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes
Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes says Manchester United would be foolish to turn down £100m for Bruno Fernandes
(Image: Getty Images)
Paul Scholes has urged Manchester United to cash in on Bruno Fernandes this summer because the £100million sum offered for him is too good to turn down. The Red Devils legend also believes Fernandes can be detrimental to Ruben Amorim’s tactics because he “confuses the system”.
The Portugal international, 30, has become a top priority of Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal ahead of the summer transfer window. Al-Hilal are understood to have held lengthy talks with Fernandes’ representatives over a lucrative contract this week, with those discussions improving their chances of signing the United captain.
Fernandes, who joined the Red Devils in January 2020, led the side to their worst-ever Premier League finish this term. And it is believed he is seriously considering quitting United next week as Al-Hilal look to sign the playmaker in time to field him at the upcoming Club World Cup.
Fernandes himself has failed to provide any assurances about his future, while his post-match interview comments after the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham last week sparked concerns that he was ready to leave.
Old Trafford bosses, however, are reportedly relaxed about the situation and are willing to listen to offers for any member of their squad, including Fernandes. Having missed out on a significant windfall by failing to qualify for the Champions League, INEOS understand that they will need to sell players in order to rebuild the squad while complying with strict Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Equally relaxed about Fernandes' potential departure is club legend Scholes. The 11-time Premier League champion said on The Overlap Fan Debate: “They are talking about £100m for him. Man United cannot say no to that.
Bruno Fernandes during Manchester United's post-season tour
Fernandes' agent recently held progressive talks with Al-Hilal(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
“You know when you talk about this system as well, I know he has been brilliant and carried the team on his back but where does he play? What is his position? Do you see him as a number 10? Do you see him as a holding midfielder?
“He almost confuses the whole system because he doesn’t have that one position for him. I mean he has been brilliant don’t get me wrong. But when you’re getting £100m for him you snap their hand off and take it.”
Pundit Jamie Carragher agreed, saying: “I’ve always described Bruno Fernandes as a great talent but not a great player. Where does he play?
“He’s a bit mad in that he just runs all over the place, like a kid in the school yard. The best player in the school yard doing everything but in a really poor team. I don’t think he’s ever had any discipline in those No. 10 positions.”
The four-time United Player of the Season's manager, Amorim, however, has made it clear he wants Fernandes to stay. The Portuguese head coach sang the midfielder’s praises during the club’s post-season trip to Asia this week.
Asked about the present situation, Amorim said: "We’ve talked about this many times. 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."
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