Ex-Man Utd defender Paul Parker thinks his former club should “cash in” on captain Bruno Fernandes this summer.
The Portuguese international has racked up 22 goal contributions this season, but speaking to PariuriX.com, Parker said this could be the right time to offload the midfielder and use the proceeds for improving the squad:
“It is quite obvious that Bruno Fernandes has stepped up his game. He is super important to the current Man United team, but I am not sure he is a necessity for the future. I think he is a brilliant footballer and he has improved, but I don’t see him as a player who is improving the team in the long run.”
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“If Man United can cash in on him in the summer, I don’t think they should reject the offer. But of course, it needs to be a big amount of money, but that money would help improve the overall team, as the club could bring in new players.”
Fernandes will consider his future this summer
The 31-year-old has already confirmed that he will sit down with his agent after the World Cup. Until then, fans won’t know whether he is staying or leaving.
Fernandes will have one year remaining on his contract at the end of the season, but the Red Devils do have an option to extend his time at Old Trafford for another twelve months until 2028.
Man Utd may need to sell without Champions League football
If a Saudi Pro League club triggers Fernandes’s €65m (£56m) release clause, then it will be up to the player if he wants to go or not. Even in that scenario, though, he could be persuaded to stay.
United’s own stance would probably be dependent on whether Michael Carrick can secure a top 4/5 finish. If Champions League qualification is secured, the proceeds from Fernandes’s departure may not be required to bring in additional reinforcements.
However, if they miss out on Europe’s top competition, the pressure to raise funds would be a lot greater, and as Parker suggests, the club could be tempted to cash in.
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