Bruno is 30 years old but so what? He's one of the world's best No 10s
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By DANNY MURPHY
Published: 12:00 EDT, 31 May 2025 | Updated: 12:05 EDT, 31 May 2025
There has been plenty of debate surrounding whether Manchester United should take £100million for Bruno Fernandes in order to finance the rebuild that Ruben Amorim requires.
But for me, it's a no-brainer - it's simply imperative he stays.
Yes, Bruno is 30 years old but so what? He's one of the world's best No 10s and someone United won't be able to replace in their current state.
I'd go as far as to suggest, if he were to kick off next season in Saudi Arabia instead of Old Trafford, the consequences will be devastating and Amorim will face another season of struggle.
This season taught me a lot about Bruno's character. He wanted to stand up and be counted during a terribly difficult period. He showed genuine fight and passion and I speak as someone who has been critical of his petulance and whingeing in the past.
Perhaps even more importantly, as a footballer he always remained brave in the way he played. He continued to look for the ball and take responsibility by taking risks and trying to create.
The consequences would be devastating if Manchester United sell Bruno Fernandes
It's simply imperative he stays. Yes, he's 30 but so what? He's one of the world's best No 10s
Fernandes wanted to stand up and be counted during a terribly difficult period
That is a fantastic example for other players who might have been tempted to hide whenever the going got tough.
Though United are a long way off what the club expect, the recent successes they have enjoyed - and they have reached four cup finals in three years - is down to Bruno.
What if he leaves now? Even if it might make financial sense, from a performance perspective he's irreplaceable.
There are very few midfielders with his quality and those at that elite level will have better options than joining United.
We all know United want and need a new centre forward. But whoever they end up signing will be far less effective without having the wonderful passes and crosses Bruno would provide.
I know there is plenty of talk about who United will buy and sell in the transfer window but keeping their captain should be their top priority, bar none.
United will see themselves as a big club and attractive to players despite the current malaise. That may be true, but they won't find another Bruno.
Even if it might make financial sense, from a performance perspective he's irreplaceable
There are very few midfielders with his quality and players will have better options than United
I'm sure United supporters are sick of seeing players leave and then enjoy success
They are close to landing Matheus Cunha. He's a good player, but not as good.
I've seen United's current dilemma compared to Liverpool's situation nearly a decade ago when they sold Philippe Coutinho and signed Alisson and Virgil van Dijk with the money to improve the team.
I don't see the examples as similar. Jurgen Klopp purposefully wanted to play with three athletic midfield players rather than a traditional No 10 like Coutinho, because he had Roberto Firmino, who could drop in to link play as a false nine.
Amorim's set-up works best with two No 10s, playing narrow in support of a centre forward.
Bruno is therefore better than any alternative I can think of to making the system work. And with better players around him if recruitment is good, he'll become even more influential - on the ball more, waving his arms about less.
Listening to Bruno, he seems happy to stay at Old Trafford if the club would prefer to have him rather than cash in.
I am sure United fans are sick of seeing players leave and then enjoy success.
I was covering the Champions League final in Munich on Saturday night with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Matteo Darmian - neither of whom pulled up trees at United - in the Inter Milan squad.
With better players around him if recruitment is good, he'll become even more influential
Despite the money on offer, United should stand firm and make it clear he is not for sale
Given that Scott McTominay, Ashley Young and Romelu Lukaku (twice) have won Serie A titles post-Old Trafford and that even Jadon Sancho and Dean Henderson have won major trophies this season, it suggests certain players struggle to cope with being under the microscope at a club that doesn't feel stable.
Bruno Fernandes is the one individual who has always seemed to thrive.
The Saudi League have made their intentions clear about wanting him, as they once did with Mo Salah. With Cristiano Ronaldo leaving, they need a new figurehead.
Despite the money on offer, United should stand firm and make it clear their captain is not going to be sold.
I expect Trent to be a good fit at Real
I'm glad Liverpool fans gave Trent Alexander-Arnold a big ovation after his final game, following the boos that first accompanied his decision to leave.
It will be strange to see him in the all-white of Real Madrid in the Club World Cup later this month but this Koppite would still like to see him on the winning side if they meet Manchester City or Chelsea.
With all the prize-money on offer, I don't want Liverpool's Premier League rivals winning the tournament in America and making more signings because of it.
I'm intrigued to see how Trent's move to Spain goes. It's huge, given the demands at Real where Gareth Bale won the Champions League several times and was still booed.
Trent has to hit the ground running at the same time as adapting to a new lifestyle. Real are in transition as well, with Luka Modric the latest of the old guard to be leaving.
The way Trent plays, it should be a good fit. Madrid dominate possession in most games and that will suit his creative range.
From an England perspective, you can understand Thomas Tuchel has questioned his defending, though I think the first half of this season showed Trent is capable on that side of the game if he's quick and aggressive.
Gareth Southgate could have used Trent more in those England games where we had lots of the ball but I also understand why Kyle Walker was first choice in the latter stages facing forwards like Kylian Mbappe.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has to hit the ground running while adapting to life at Real Madrid
It will be strange to see him in the all-white of Real in the Club World Cup later this month
Ironically, Reece James is probably the most complete right back, when he's fit. He doesn't have a weakness - he can defend one-on-one and has a great eye for a pass.
There is a lot at stake coming up for Trent. For selfish reasons I hope he has a good Club World Cup. It would be detrimental to Liverpool if Chelsea or City were to win the trophy.
My hero of the season
As the sun sets on the 2024-25 season, there has been no more inspirational journey than that of Dan Burn, from Blyth Spartans youth to a cup final winner and scorer for Newcastle and making his England debut at 32.
I was at Fulham when we signed Dan but had left the club by the time he made his debut nearly three years later. He has had to overcome plenty of adversity in his career, so to see him lift a trophy for the club he supported as a boy was phenomenal.
It should give any young pro going through a difficult time real hope. If Carlsberg did football stories, it would be Dan Burn.
Manchester UnitedBruno Fernandes