The end of the 2024-25 season has been a crushing blow for Manchester United and their supporters. With just 42 points and a dismal 15th-place finish in the Premier League, the club has hit rock bottom after months of inconsistent performances and questionable decisions. The final humiliation came in the Europa League final, where United were soundly beaten by Tottenham, who lifted their first trophy in 17 years. For a club with United’s legacy, this campaign marks a resounding failure. In the midst of the fallout, speculation around Bruno Fernandes’ future has intensified, sparking strong reactions from within and outside the club.
The biggest shock came with a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal have reportedly tabled an eye-watering proposal for Fernandes, including a tax-free salary of £700,000 per week, amounting to nearly £200 million over a three-year deal. The package also includes a potential £100 million transfer fee to Manchester United, should the player agree to the move. Talks between the Portuguese international’s representatives and the Saudi club reportedly intensified on Monday. Meanwhile, United have given Fernandes a 72-hour window to make a final decision.
Club legend Paul Scholes weighed in with a blunt assessment of the situation. Speaking on The Overlap, as relayed by TBR Football, Scholes stated that if a £100 million bid is indeed on the table, United should not hesitate to accept it. While he acknowledged that Fernandes has been a decisive figure and has carried the team through difficult periods, Scholes also posed a valid question: what exactly is Bruno’s best position? His tactical fit has long been debated, and in a rebuilding squad, clarity may be just as important as talent.
Why does Paul Scholes believe Manchester United should sell their key star Bruno Fernandes?
Scholes raised a key tactical concern: whether Fernandes is best suited as a traditional playmaker, a free-roaming attacking midfielder, or a deeper-lying midfielder with defensive duties. This positional ambiguity, he argued, has disrupted the team’s tactical balance. Despite the Portuguese international’s undeniable talent, Scholes believes the 30-year-old often contributes to confusion within United’s overall structure, making it harder for the team to establish a consistent identity on the pitch.
“They are talking about £100m for him. Man United cannot say no to that. I know he has been brilliant and carried the team on his back but where does he actually 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. I mean he has been brilliant don’t get me wrong. But when you’re getting 100m for him you snap your hands and take it.”
From the club’s point of view, accepting this offer would make more sense than resisting it. Bruno has been one of the most visible players, but also one of the most difficult to fit into a clear system. He has performed well, yes, but his diffuse profile affects tactical construction.
With £100 million on the table, the club could rebuild key areas, especially in midfield and defence. It is a significant figure in an inflated market, and even more so considering the player’s age and wear and tear after several demanding seasons. If this sale does not go through now, it is unlikely that a similar figure will be repeated in the near future.
More Manchester United News:
On the other hand, Bruno Fernandes’ potential departure would leave a significant void in both leadership and creativity. If Manchester United fail to act swiftly in the transfer market, they risk being left without a replacement of similar calibre. Recent history suggests the club often struggle to finalise key signings in a timely manner.
To beat the clock, sentiment must be set aside in favour of cold, strategic thinking. Selling Bruno for such a substantial fee would make sense, but only if the funds are reinvested with precision and intent. The real challenge isn’t just offloading a star player; it’s identifying and securing the right successor. Can United rise to that challenge? The answer is yes, but based on their recent transfer track record, there’s little reason for confidence.