There is uncertainty over Bruno Fernandes's long-term future at Manchester United following Ruben Amorim's exit and appointment of Michael Carrick
Bruno Fernandes and Michael Carrick
Manchester United will hope Michael Carrick can keep Bruno Fernandes happy(Image: 2020 Getty Images)
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Bruno Fernandes' reasons for leaving a previous club should heighten concerns about his future at Manchester United.
There are fears within Old Trafford that the captain may be growing weary of the ongoing instability and might seek a transfer. Fernandes had a close relationship with recently dismissed Ruben Amorim, who has been temporarily replaced by Michael Carrick until a new permanent boss is appointed in the summer.
While the 31-year-old won't be leaving this month, the remainder of the season could be pivotal for his future at the club. Should United's struggles persist, it could nudge him towards an exit. Just last summer, he contemplated a move to the Saudi Pro League before being convinced to stay by Amorim.
Fernandes found himself in a similar predicament at Udinese earlier in his career, choosing to leave following the team's underperformance and the departure of a manager with whom he shared a strong rapport.
The Portuguese playmaker moved to Italy at 17 and spent five years there, initially signing with Novara before transferring to Udinese in 2013.
Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes was close to Ruben Amorim(Image: Getty Images)
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After a successful first season in Udine, head coach Francesco Guidolin left his role to become technical supervisor for the club's owner, Giampaolo Pozzo, whose son, Gino, owns Watford. Guidolin later had a brief stint managing Swansea City, who were then in the Premier League.
Guidolin's exit was a factor in Fernandes' decision to join Sampdoria on loan in 2016, before making a permanent move to Sporting CP the following year.
Drawing a striking comparison to his current situation at United, Fernandes remembered Udinese possessing talented players who struggled to deliver the expected results.
Bruno Fernandes during his three years at Udinese
Fernandes during his three years at Udinese(Image: Getty)
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Speaking previously to Cronache di Spogliatoio, he reflected: "The three years I spent at Udinese were not easy in terms of the team because we didn't have great campaigns, except for the first one, where we had a great squad. We had a strong team, but we weren't able to achieve what was expected of us.
"Then in the second and third year they decided to change manager after so long with Guidolin, and it didn't go very well.
"Guidolin had managed to get the most of my abilities and made me understand that I had to train more, but he had faith in me."
United supporters will be anxious to avoid a repeat of such circumstances. With 18 months remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, plus an 12-month option, this summer could prove pivotal in determining Fernandes' long-term future with the club. Bayern Munich are understood to be among those keeping tabs on developments.