Man United make shock Bruno Fernandes U-turn as £100m offer lined up
Bruno Fernandes’ future at Man United has been subject to speculation amid growing interest from a number of Saudi Pro League clubs.
Fernandes’ rejected the chance to leave Man United during the summer despite an offer from Al Hilal as he believed it was not the right time to leave Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed in August that Ruben Amorim was determined to keep Fernandes as he remained a crucial part of his plans for the future.
That has done little to deter the interest in the 31-year-old, though, and United are now bracing for renewed interest in him both in January and next summer.
Man United could be tempted to accept Bruno Fernandes offer
Football Insider revealed on 15 September that Fernandes could be tempted to leave Man United if they fail to show considerable improvements on last season’s failure.
Man United, meanwhile, could also be open to letting the attacking midfielder leave next summer if Saudi clubs return with offers worth upwards of £100million.
That is according to former chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during the club’s most successful period, as he exclusively told Football Insider that United could be tempted to cash in on Fernandes and reinvest elsewhere.
“I don’t think they’re ruling anything out,” he told Football Insider.
“Let’s assume they’re ninth, tenth, around mid table come the end of the season and it doesn’t look like they’re going to achieve anything, they might not have a choice.
“If an offer of around £100million comes in for Fernandes, they might decide it’s time to cash in.
“It’s certainty something that will be tempting for them, that amount of money.
“Then they could go and look at some of their targets to strengthen the squad with that money coming in, because it’s an area they feel they could improve.
“A lot will depend on how they perform this season, because if they do well, perhaps get into Europe, then he will have been a key part of that.
“If they don’t, then the club could look to move in a different direction and I’m sure it’s something he’d be open to as well.”
Reports have also claimed Fernandes is likely to leave Man United, with Saudi deal-makers optimistic of agreeing terms to lure him away from Old Trafford.
Man United consider Fernandes replacements
Rio Ferdinand told Man United to accept £100million for Fernandes and immediately move to sign Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton from Brighton and Crystal Palace.
United had targeted Baleba during the summer transfer window, but missed out after Brighton placed a £100million price tag on Baleba.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 22 August Crystal Palace would not entertain offers for Wharton amid uncertainty about Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze.
Both clubs could change their stances next summer when their situations will become more clear, and United are keeping a close eye on their situations.
With a midfielder still a top target for Amorim, the sale of Fernandes could allow for bigger spending, and a decision will have to be made behind the scenes.
For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.