Bruno Fernandes made it clear he wanted to see two of his Manchester United team-mates step up and become the club's best players over the new season, but both are now set to leave
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Old Trafford on March 13, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Bruno Fernandes wanted Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho to become the top dogs at United
(Image: Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Bruno Fernandes had hoped for Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund to emerge as Manchester United's standout performers this season. But the duo appear to be heading towards the exit door as Ruben Amorim looks to offload more stars before the transfer window closes.
Hojlund was left out of United's squad for Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, with AC Milan amongst the clubs showing interest in the striker. Meanwhile, Garnacho has found himself frozen out by the Portuguese manager following his criticism of Amorim's tactical decisions during their Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Danish forward has been training with the first team and participated in preparations for the 2025/26 Premier League season – but with Benjamin Sesko now at the club, Hojlund may have played his last match at Old Trafford.
These developments will come as a blow to club captain Fernandes, who revealed his wish to see younger players claim individual honours rather than winning awards himself.
Speaking to CBS back in May, the 30-year-old said: "The main thing I want... and I was even joking with Josh [Zirkzee] the other day, we were talking about the awards and they were saying like, 'Oh, who's gonna win the award of Player of the Season?' They were kind of putting a joke.
"I said that I hope next year I am not even involved in the name – and do the same season as I did this year, and not be involved in the name of winning that trophy.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates scoring their third goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Old Trafford on March 13, 2025 in Manchester, England.
The young stars look to be on their way out of Old Trafford this summer
"Because that will mean you step up, Amad will step up, Garnacho will step up, Rasmus will step up... if they start scoring goals, start doing assists, start running backwards and tackling, they will be the ones having attention and not me, and I will be the most happy person in the world.
"I'm there to help my team-mates get the best out of them, and that's all I want to do because I know as soon as I can get the best out of them, my team will be much better."
Despite these words from the Portuguese maestro, both Hojlund and Garnacho appear to have one foot out this summer at Old Trafford.
AC Milan's sporting director, Igli Tare, recently revealed that the 22-year-old frontman remains on their radar -but he's not their sole target. He said: "Hojlund is a good option for us. We are thinking about him, but in the transfer market, you never know what could happen."
BILBAO, SPAIN - MAY 21: Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United walks past the UEFA Europa League trophy after his team's defeat in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain.
Alejandro Garnacho has fallen out of favour alongside Hojlund
The Italian giants may reportedly abandon their pursuit of the United ace if they manage to land Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus instead. United have slapped a modest £30million price tag on Hojlund – a dramatic drop from the £72m deal they agreed with Serie A outfit Atalanta two summers ago.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has reported that Chelsea are now in advanced talks with United over the signing of Garnacho. The report suggests that the Blues' hierarchy have an excellent relationship with United chief Omar Berrada.
The 21-year-old winger, who is only interested in joining the FIFA Club World Cup champions, recently rejected an offer from Bayern Munich. The Red Devils have placed a £50m price tag on Garnacho, but as it stands, Chelsea are only willing to pay about £30m.
Garnacho and Hojlund join Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho as the quartet set to depart the club, with Roma, Besiktas and Atalanta all eyeing moves for the latter duo.
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