The Portuguese midfielder, regarded as United’s most influential player in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, has engaged in discussions over a lucrative transfer to the Saudi Pro League. ..Continue Reading
Although Fernandes has yet to make a final decision, reports suggest he is leaning toward accepting the offer, which would see him earn approximately £200 million over three years.
While manager Ruben Amorim is eager to retain Fernandes, United’s financial struggles mean they are open to selling him, especially after missing out on Champions League qualification, which cost them around £100 million.
Selling Fernandes for a similar amount would significantly boost Amorim’s transfer budget, which currently stands at around £100 million before any player sales.
United have already triggered the £62.5 million release clause of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, but further reinforcements will require additional departures.
The club has already parted ways with Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof, and they are also considering offers for goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Onana, like Fernandes, has drawn interest from Saudi clubs despite an inconsistent season at Old Trafford.
The Cameroon international arrived at United after helping Inter Milan reach the Champions League final, but his performances have led to calls for a replacement.
Reports indicate that Onana is in advanced talks with newly-promoted Saudi Pro League side Neom SC, though United have yet to formally engage in negotiations.
While many United fans are anxious about Fernandes’ potential departure, club legend Paul Scholes believes a £100 million offer would be difficult to reject.
Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, he said: ‘They are talking about £100m for him, Man United cannot say no to that.
‘I know he has been brilliant and carried the team on his back, but where does he actually play, what is his position?
‘Do you see him as a number 10? Do you see him as a holding midfielder? He almost confuses the whole system. I mean, he has been brilliant, don’t get me wrong.
‘But when you’re getting £100m for him, you snap your hands and take it.’
United manager Amorim, meanwhile, is confident Fernandes has not played his last match for the club.
‘I don’t think so, I don’t know for sure,’ he said at the end of United’s post-season tour of Asia. ‘Nobody knows but I don’t think so.
‘I think he is seeing us taking some actions to change all the things and I think he saw that and I think he wants to stay.
‘He is saying no to a lot of things but he shows he wants to win. He’s really young, he’s really good he needs to be in the best league in the world.’
Since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in a £67 million transfer in January 2020, Bruno Fernandes has netted 98 goals in 290 matches for Manchester United, while also contributing 51 assists in the Premier League.
The Portuguese midfielder has been a standout performer at Old Trafford, earning the club’s Player of the Year award four times in the past five seasons.
