Bruno Fernandes expected to stay put at Manchester United this summer
Manchester United’s new season have started just like the end of the last one – caught between hope and despair. The second match against Fulham at Craven Cottage was a tight one and eventually ended in a 1-1 draw. It was a bright start, Matheus Cunha rattling the post, but Bruno Fernandes’ penalty miss changed the course of the match.
Leny Yoro’s header deflected off Rodrigo Muniz in the second half to put United ahead, but the joy was short-lived, as substitute Emile Smith Rowe equalised from Alex Iwobi’s cross. The rest of the time, both teams kept looking for a goal, but the result remained tied.
Club’s stance on Bruno Fernandes and Saudi interest
After this draw, the real talk is about Bruno Fernandes. The latest reports claim that Al-Ittihad have once again shown interest in Fernandes. Earlier in May, Al Hilal had made an offer to Fernandes, but the captain had made it clear that he wanted to fulfill his dream at United right now.
Bruno Fernandes expected to stay put at Manchester United this summer.
Bruno Fernandes linked with fresh Saudi Pro League interest ahead of transfer deadline
According to club sources, as relayed by Manchester Evening News, our club’s management are surprised by the Fernandes departure rumours and believes that it is highly unlikely that he will leave the club before the September 1 deadline. Fernandes’ contract runs until 2027, and United also have the option to extend it by another year.
Questions arise as to the reason for these rumours. United are now out of European competition, the team’s performance are continuously declining, and the 15th-place finish last season was one of the most disappointing events in the club’s history.
Ruben Amorim took over as manager mid-season, but he too could not do any magic. In such an environment, it’s natural for discussions to arise around a figure like the Portuguese international, especially when Saudi clubs are increasingly succeeding in luring European stars.
Should Bruno Fernandes be sold or should he be kept?
The question now is what United should do. On the one hand, the club have been struggling since last season and moments like Fernandes’ penalty miss raise questions about his mental state. Selling to a Saudi club to raise money and strengthen the midfield with new players could be an option, but on the other hand, keeping Fernandes is vital to Amorim’s project. He is still the most creative player in the team, and his presence gives confidence to the rest of the squad.
Fernandes staying at United is not just a matter of sport; it’s also a matter of morale and identity. If the captain has made it clear that he wants to fulfill his dreams by staying with the club, then this decision will also affect the other players.
Despite being out of Europe, United have the opportunity to build a new foundation, and the 30-year-old could be a key part of that foundation. Yes, the club must look for help in midfield before the transfer window closes, but rebuilding will be easier with Fernandes at the core. Moreover, if we sell him now, we will absolutely not get any sort of time to get the desired replacement for our captain. So, it is a sensitive situation!