Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes is linked with an exit from Man United
Bruno Fernandes' future at has become the subject of intense speculation in recent days following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
The Portuguese player has been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with his agent reportedly already holding talks over a potential £100million transfer. The Manchester Evening News understands that leaving after five years at the club.
The news should not come as any real surprise to the club, given the 30-year-old’s response when he signed a contract extension in August last year. At the time, he is said to have made it clear to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he expected the club to sign top-tier players capable of competing at the highest level.
"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," Fernandes told the club's website after signing a new extension.
"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."
However, things haven't exactly gone to plan for United since Fernandes signed that extension, as the club endured their worst Premier League campaign since the 1973/74 season. In a potential show of ambition to Fernandes, United are working to finalise a £62.5 million deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
The worry, though, will be that this move has come too late. After missing out on Champions League qualification following their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final, United may have to sell their prized assets to fund their summer transfer business.
While club sources remain relaxed about the situation, they are reportedly open to listening to offers for any member of the squad, including Fernandes. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal are said to be keen on striking a deal for the 30-year-old before the start of the Club World Cup on June 15.
The summer transfer window will reopen on Sunday, June 1.
Reds head coach Ruben Amorim has already made his feelings clear over the Portuguese, highlighting his importance to the squad. "[Fernandes] is really important for us and what we want to build for the team. We talk about this many times," he 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."
Discussing his captain after the 3-1 win over Hong Kong on Friday, Amorim was asked if Fernandes would leave. "I don’t think so," he said. "I don’t know for sure, but nobody knows. But I don’t think so.
"He is seeing us changing some actions to change all the things and I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things. But he shows that he wants to win. He is really hungry. He is really good. He needs to be in the best league in the world. I am the manager, the coach, sometimes it is the decisions of the player.
"Of course I talk to him, I explain things and I just have that feeling. When you talk to someone you have that feeling if he wants to stay. Of course, in a lot of games he is frustrated. He knows what we are doing. The feeling I get every time I speak with him is that he wants to continue for sure with Man United. You never know."
Losing the Portugal international this summer would certainly be a blow for the club, especially with Amorim previously emphasising his intention to build the squad around the Portuguese maestro.
Fernandes was signed by United in January 2020 for a deal worth up to £67.7million from Sporting Clube de Portugal. Since then he has played 290 games, scoring 98 goals and registering 84 assists, showing exactly why he is considered United's best signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
But, this summer, more is needed to get United heading back in the right direction. More players suited to playing Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 formation are required, while the squad needs an injection of quality to help spark a rise up the Premier League and, hopefully, help the club win more silverware.
It is shaping up to be a huge transfer window for Ineos and Amorim at Old Trafford. If Fernandes ultimately decides to stay, they will also have an important promise to keep with the United captain to prove they can compete next season.
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