‘Man United to accept £100m bid and push Bruno Fernandes to leave’
Man United’s worst season in over 30 years could be about to have major implications for the future of captain Bruno Fernandes.
A 15th-place finish in the Premier League was preceded by defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham last week – a loss that confirmed their absence from any form of European competition next season.
As the Red Devils lick their wounds and prepare to rebuild over the coming months, a host of high-profile players have already been linked with moves away from Old Trafford.
And while any number of them could be plying their trade elsewhere by the time the 2025/26 campaign gets underway in August, star man Fernandes’ name has been mooted as a potential asset for Man United to cash in on during the summer window.
Sources have told Football Insider that Al Hilal are ready to make a massive £80million offer for Fernandes this summer.
United told to cash-in as Saudi Pro League club eye Bruno Fernandes
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Chelsea and Aston Villa striker Tony Cascarino has urged Manchester United to waste no time in accepting as much as £100million bid for club captain Fernandes from the Saudi Pro League club.
In an interview with host Natalie Sawyer, Cascarino gave a point-blank answer when asked if such a bid should be considered.
“I would snap their hand off,” he said.
“It’s time for a number of big decisions to be made and he’s one of them. If they’re getting offered £100m for a 30-year-old, you take it. You absolutely take it.
“It’s money that you’ve got to use very wisely on people that you’ve identified to bring in. I’d take it immediately.
“If that was the offer, I think Man United would even have to push him a bit [towards the move] and say ‘we’re looking in a different direction now’.”
The Saudi Pro League side are seemingly keen to make a statement signing before taking part in next month’s Club World Cup, and their offer for Fernandes allegedly comes with a deadline of next week [Mail].
Bruno Fernandes decision could make or break United’s summer
Football Insider Verdict
Football Insider‘s senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed how Fernandes is one of six players Manchester United could look to sell during a summer exodus.
Despite his side’s struggles this season, Fernandes remains a hugely popular figure in the stands at Old Trafford. The talismanic Portuguese international has carried his team for long spells during the 2024/25 campaign, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed.
However, the reported bid on the table, as well as its ramifications, could severely split opinion among the club’s fanbase.
On the one hand, Fernandes can be viewed as the heartbeat of Amorim’s team – a tireless creative outlet with set-piece and penalty responsibilities who never shirks his duties, and is adored as a result.
On the other, would refusing such an astronomical offer for a player the wrong side of 30 be viewed as anything other than reckless? Could such an amount be used to bring in the kind of quality United so desperately need in other areas?
Whatever their decision, and in keeping with the current mood around the club, it is likely to be met with anger and incredulity in equal measure.