Man United insider makes Bruno Fernandes claim as transfer interest builds
Bruno Fernandes has been a key figure for Manchester United in recent seasons, often being the club’s best performer in poor performances.
Fernandes was linked to a move away from Manchester United this summer, with interest from Saudi Arabia surfacing.
The Portuguese attacking midfielder turned down the approaches and opted to stay at United despite their 15th placed finish last season.
Fernandes’ commitment to the club is undoubted, but after a tricky start to the season under Ruben Amorim, it remains to be seen where the 30-year-old’s future lies past this season.
Bruno Fernandes faces career crossroads
The offers Fernandes reportedly received from Saudi Arabia were believed to be substantial, and Pro League clubs may look to swoop in again for the United captain next summer.
Talking on the Athletic’s Talk of the Devils podcast, United reporter Andy Mitten spoke about Fernandes’ future at Old Trafford: “If United finish 15th again this season, you can see him saying ‘I’m not sticking around anymore for this’ but there’s a lot more football to be played.
“He’s been United’s best signing in the post-Ferguson era, we should give him his stripes for that, he’s hugely influential, but he’s not 21 years old anymore either.
“He’s one of the few players Manchester United could get a stupid amount for because he’s that good, but for the time being he’s a very important player.”
Bruno Fernandes could be Manchester United’s odd-one-out
Football Insider verdict
As Amorim has switched to his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, there has always been questions over how United’s squad fits into the Portuguese’s ideas.
Amorim has played Fernandes in an unusually deep number eight position in the midfield pairing besides Casemiro, as opposed to in his favoured number 10 positions.
| Player | From |
| Bryan Mbeumo | Brentford |
| Matheus Cunha | Wolves |
| Benjamin Sesko | RB Leipzig |
| Senne Lammens | Royal Antwerp |
United invested over £150 million in their number 10 positions over the summer, adding Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to their squad in the transfer window.
There has been plenty of discussion over United’s balance and as it appears Amorim is unwilling to change his formation, perhaps a change of midfield personnel is needed instead.