Man United relegation feared after Bruno Fernandes exit – ‘There’s no hope’
Man United have been warned about the disastrous implications of Bruno Fernandes leaving the club in the summer transfer window.
This has been a dismal season for the Red Devils, with the club languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Despite that, Fernandes has produced some outstanding form for Man United over the course of the campaign.
Rio Ferdinand though believes that could present a major problem for Ruben Amorim and his side if the Portugal international departs Old Trafford at the end of this season.
Bruno Fernandes exit speculation sparks major concern
There have already been suggestions that Fernandes could leave Man United in the summer following a squad wide wage cut after failure to qualify for the Champions League last season.
But with the midfielder producing such crucial form in a struggling side at Old Trafford, Ferdinand believes it will be a major problem for the club if he does depart in the near future.
Indeed, the former Man United defender has even suggested that his exit could lead to the Red Devils facing the unthinkable prospect of relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.
| Bruno Fernandes 2024/25 key Premier League stats | Total (as per Transfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 31 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 10 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 |
| Red Cards | 2 |
While speaking on TNT Sports ahead of the second leg of the club’s Europa League quarter final with Lyon on Thursday (17 April), attention turned to the lack of goalscorers in that side.
That then prompted Ferdinand to note the importance of the 30-year-old as the once player who has been scoring regularly for Man United, saying (7.35pm): “But that man in the picture, if Bruno is not at this football club, we’re in the shake up in the relegation battle.
“I’m telling you because without him there’s no hope in terms of an attacking force in this team. The numbers we talked with the attacking players are so low, again, he’s the only inspiring factor in all the games we’ve watched.
“If he doesn’t cook, if he doesn’t come in and start performing, I don’t see any way in which we’re going to get anything out of the game. We might get something, a flash from Garnacho, but he’s the main guy.”
Bruno was indeed on form on the night, firing a stunning first-half effort off the bar, and sparking one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent memory with a goal from the penalty spot in the extra time.
But even his impact can’t account for the incredible drama in the 5-4 victory, as Ruben Amorim’s men threw away a comfortable 2-0 lead at half time to crumble to 4-2 down in before another stunning swing back to 5-4 in the 121st minute with Harry Maguire’s winner.
Man United will not have to fear relegation
Football Insider Verdict
Nobody is going to deny the fact that the departure of Fernandes would be a major blow for this Man United side.
So often this season, the Portugal international has been the only salvaging any hope of a result, or even pride, for his team.
Given that alone has not been enough to keep them from dropping so low in the table, fans of the club will dread to think how much worse things might get if he does depart.
Even if that dos happen though, the past two season have started to highlight the gulf between the established Premier League teams and those coming up from the Championship, which now looks huge.
As a result the funds Man United have available to them mean it is impossible to imagine them not being able to put together a squad that would keep themselves out of the top three.
Nevertheless, the fact that such situations are even being discussed is a signal of just how far the club have fallen in recent years.