Manchester United's captain Bruno Fernandes has left his future at Old Trafford unclear after his latest comments surrounding last summer
Bruno Fernandes' Manchester United future is in jeopardy once again
Bruno Fernandes' Manchester United future is in jeopardy once again
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There was no shortage of relief among the Manchester United fanbase when Bruno Fernandes confirmed he would be staying at Old Trafford this past summer. The offer from the Saudi Pro League will have been tempting for the captain, considering the amount of money which they put on the table for players of Fernandes' quality.
But after consulting his family, and speaking with the United board and manager Ruben Amorim, Fernandes wanted to stay. The captain has since gone on to score five goals and grab seven assists, so far this campaign. In October, the captain reiterated to MEN Sportthe talks which settled his future involved the hierarchy.
That is why a new interview with the midfielder, on Portuguese media outlet Canal 11, has been so surprising to all those involved with the club. Fernandes now appears to have contradicted himself, suggesting he felt 'hurt' by what he believed was the implication from United that they were not concerned about losing him.
United sources have since reiterated the board made it clear to Fernandes he was part of the future at Old Trafford. But wherever the truth lies, the Reds should be treating this whole saga as a warning ahead of the next summer transfer window.
Even if wires have been crossed between Fernandes and United, the captain has made it clear he wants to achieve other things before he hangs his boots. In the most recent interview, he mentioned his desire to play in Spain, Portugal and Italy before retiring, while also keeping the door open to Saudi Arabia.
Fernandes is 31 now, certainly not at retirement age, but no spring chicken either. If he wants to achieve all of these things, or even some of them, before the end of his career, he will need to get a move on.
There is a sense that Fernandes' time at United is coming to an end. He has been a brilliant servant to the club and he is the most deserving of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson crop of being given a proper send off.
But United must start thinking about their own future and preservation. If Fernandes is to leave at the end of this season or in 2027 when his contract expires, the Reds need to make a plan for his replacement.
For a long time, the plan seemed to revolve around Kobbie Mainoo. He was the academy graduate with the world at his feet and had the potential to produce the key moments Fernandes has done for the club.
Bruno Fernandes celebrates with Kobbie Mainoo
Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo face uncertain futures at Manchester United beyond the summer transfer window
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But a difficult 2025/26 season has put this succession path into major jeopardy. Mainoo's opportunities have dwindled and he handed in a request to leave the club on loan - which was rejected - over the summer.
Since then the midfielder's situation has not altered. He is still yet to start a Premier League match this season and hopes of going to the World Cup have all but gone.
There is a real possibility United could start next season without Fernandes and Mainoo. Surely then, this should be a wake-up call for the Reds.
At the moment, it seems like they are sleep walking towards losing two of their most valuable midfielders. If they want to keep them, they need to start acting quickly.
Both situations may be too far down the line for United to save them but if Fernandes' mind is made up, Amorim has got to start integrating Mainoo more to keep him from straying away. The Englishman needs to know there is a future for him at this club and a lot must change between now and the end of the season to prove it.
Fernandes' bombshell interview is clear evidence United need to be looking into life without their captain and preparing for that eventuality. The trouble is, as things stand, it could be life without Fernandes and Mainoo next season which is enough to give the recruitment team sleepless nights.