‘Man United players convinced Bruno Fernandes will leave’ despite Amorim claim
Man United players universally want to keep Bruno Fernandes this summer, but it appears there is a belief within the squad that they may be fighting a losing battle.
This was a dismal campaign on the domestic front for the Red Devils, as they finished 15th in the Premier League table.
Meanwhile, a shocking performance from Man United in a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final last week ensured the club ended the campaign without silverware, or Champions League football.
As a result, it is clear that a major overhaul of the squad available to Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford will be required this summer, although there are still going to be some players they would rather keep.
Bruno Fernandes transfer expectation from teammates revealed
Having been one of the few bright sparks this season, Fernandes was recognised multiple times as Man United held their end of season awards in the final weeks of the campaign.
That underlines their need to keep him, although doing so appears far from certain with interest emerging from elsewhere.
Earlier this month, Football Insider reported that Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are set to make an £80million bid for Fernandes.
Speculation that the midfielder could be set for a move to the Middle East has continued to grow, despite recent comments from Amorim.
Following the club’s post-season tour of south-east Asia, the Man United boss was asked if he thought Fernandes had played his last game for the club.
In response, Amorim stated he did not believe so, and that he thinks the Red Devils captain is keen to stay at the club [The Guardian].
Despite that, a new update from The Times has stated that a number of members of the club’s travelling party on that tour, are “convinced” Fernandes will move on.
It is noted that others though are refusing to believe that, which may suggest they are in denial rather than certain that the club captain will remain at Man United.
There are currently two years left on Fernandes’ contract at Old Trafford, which is set to run until the summer of 2027.
Man United will have major concern around their captain
Football Insider Verdict
On so many occasions over the course of this season, the Red Devils have been indebted to their captain for getting them out of trouble.
Indeed, some have even claimed that Man United would be at risk of relegation if they lost Fernandes, underlining how important it is to them to keep him.
Even so, given the challenging financial position they are in, a big offer could be enough to convince the likes of Jim Ratcliffe to sell the Portugal international.
From a personal perspective too, it could be hard for the midfielder to stick around while thing are going so badly, when he will feel he can play at a higher level.
If there is this sentiment within the squad as well, it is not going to help Man United as they attempt to boost morale or attract signings to try and turn around such a messy situation.
With that in mind, there are surely going to be plenty at Old Trafford who will want to see some sort of guarantee Fernandes is going to stay beyond this summer if at all possible.