Bruno Fernandes has emerged as a top target for Al-Hilal ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Saudi Pro League giants reportedly ready to pay £100million
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15:10, 30 May 2025
Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes says Manchester United would be foolish to turn down £100m for Bruno Fernandes
(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has urged the club to accept a £100million offer for Bruno Fernandes this summer, stating that the sum is too large to refuse.
He also expressed concerns that Fernandes disrupts Ruben Amorim's tactics as he "confuses the system". The Portuguese international, 30, has reportedly become a top target for Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal ahead of the summer transfer window.
It's understood that Al-Hilal have been in lengthy talks with Fernandes' representatives about a lucrative contract this week, which has increased their chances of signing the United captain.
Fernandes, who joined United in January 2020, led the team to their worst-ever Premier League finish this season. And it is believed he is seriously considering quitting the Red Devils next week as Al-Hilal aim to sign the midfielder in time for the upcoming Club World Cup.
Fernandes himself has not given any guarantees about his future at United, while his comments during a post-match interview after the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham last week raised concerns that he could be ready to jump ship.
Old Trafford chiefs are understood to be relaxed about the situation and are prepared to entertain bids for any player, including Fernandes.
The club's failure to secure Champions League football has only heightened the need to sell players in order to rebuild the squad while still complying with Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules.
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.
“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.”
Bruno Fernandes during Manchester United's post-season tour
Fernandes' agent recently held progressive talks with Al-Hilal
Pundit Jamie Carragher agreed with Scholes’ comments, 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 voiced his desire to keep Fernandes. The Portuguese tactician talked glowingly about his midfielder during the club’s post-season tour of Asia this week.
When questioned about the current 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."