Man United ‘doing everything’ to keep Bruno Fernandes, despite having replacement lined up
Manchester United are doing everything in their power to convince Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford beyond the end of the season.
The 31-year-old has been a crucial part of their turnaround under Michael Carrick and is now closing in on the Premier League assist record of 20 in a season.
Speculation about a potential move to the Saudi Pro League has rumbled on after Al Hilal made a move for him last summer, but will be deterred again.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that United are eyeing potential replacements just in case, but hope they will not have to act.
However, they are prepared to step up their efforts to keep him at Old Trafford ahead of what could be a busy transfer window for Man United.
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VISIT THE TRANSFER HUBMan United plan to turn down Bruno Fernandes offer
Brown told Football Insider on 4 March that Man United have no plans to lose Fernandes and have made a U-turn on their original plan to cash in on him.
In a revealing interview earlier this season, the attacking midfielder confessed United had planned to sell him last summer, before he turned down a move away.
| Bruno Fernandes | Premier League Stats 2025-26 |
| Goals | 7 |
| xG | 9.93 |
| Assists (Open Play) | 7 |
| Assists (Set Pieces) | 9 |
| Assists (Total) | 16 |
Now, they are prepared to atone for their errors and hope they can keep hold of their talisman beyond the upcoming summer transfer window.
“Man United need to be firm with Bruno Fernandes,” Brown told Football Insider.
“They spoke last season internally and decided they might be prepared to let him go to Saudi Arabia for the right offer, but he decided he wanted to stay.
“If that same scenario comes up this summer, they now know they cannot afford to let him go, and will be doing everything in their power to keep him.
“A big part of the issue Fernandes had earlier in the season was that he didn’t feel wanted. So he was coming out in the media speaking about the situation.
“Since Carrick has come in, it’s been clear how important Bruno is to the club and to the team.
“I think he recognises that, and the board must do as well, because there’s no way they’re going to let him go any time soon, it would be suicide.
“I’m told they have been looking at potential replacements in case he was to go, but I wouldn’t read too much into that because that’s what they should be doing.
“You always have to be prepared for what might happen, but as far as they’re concerned, Bruno Fernandes is a crucial player and should be kept at all costs.”
How can Man United convince Fernandes to stay?
The Portugal international is under contract at Old Trafford until 2027, placing the power in United’s hands at least in the short-term to keep him around.
A number of avenues are being considered to keep him at the club, but clear signs of progress and ambition will go a long way towards convincing him.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 5 March that Man United will offer Fernandes a new contract, with talks planned to take place after the World Cup.
He is believed to be happy working under Carrick, with the new system very much playing to his strengths as he has thrived since the interim boss took over.
Should Carrick remain in his post, and United qualify for Champions League football, they are confident they can convince Fernandes to stick around.
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