Man United told to ‘block’ Bruno Fernandes transfer, ‘it could ruin their season’
Man United have been urged to squash any speculation about the future of Bruno Fernandes until the end of the season, when he could be allowed to leave.
The Man United hierarchy have refused to rule out selling their captain for the right price at the end of the season, with interest from Saudi Pro League clubs lingering.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that they must dismiss any public talk about his future regardless of their stance.
Following the arrival of Michael Carrick as interim boss, and his strong start in Man United’s 2-0 win against Man City, the players must all be pulling in the same direction.
While Man United are believed to be open to Fernandes‘ exit, the importance of instilling togetherness and focus in the squad cannot be overestimated.
Man United urged to end Bruno Fernandes speculation
Brown told Football Insider on 1 January that Man United plan to sell Fernandes at the end of the seasons, having made the decision to let him go last summer.
This comes after Fernandes revealed Man United tried to sell him, but the club have now been urged to dismiss any speculation which could lead to unhappiness.
“This is an area where the club cannot afford to make a mistake,” Brown told Football Insider.
“They’re constantly making public statements and letting people know that their players are available, they did it with Kobbie Mainoo and with Fernandes too.
“It does nothing to help the team, help the players, or help the morale in the dressing room. All it does is lead to uncertainty and players heads being turned.
“There’s been speculation about Bruno for a long time, and the line coming out of Man United has always been that they wouldn’t rule out letting him go.
“Why on earth they would entertain that speculation in public is ridiculous. It shows a lack of foresight and awareness of the situation they’re in.
“The line coming out of Man United now, through all the people they feed information to, has to be that he is an important player and the core of the side.
“Then, if we get to the summer and somebody comes in with a big offer, they can do what they’ve been planning to do all along, but it doesn’t have to be public now.
“If Man United are going to have any success under Michael Carrick between now and the end of the season, any speculation about the players has to be dismissed.
“They need everybody on the same page, singing from the same hymn sheet, and pulling in the same direction to do what’s best for Man United.
“If the lines coming out of United are all about Bruno could go for the right price, Mainoo could go for the right price, it’s only going to end badly.”
Harry Maguire contract update emerges
Fernandes is not the only Man United star with speculation surrounding his future ahead of the summer transfer window, as Harry Maguire’s future is up in the air.
Brown told Football Insider on 20 January that Maguire could extend his Man United contract despite constant links with a move away.
His leadership and performances at the heart of the defence are expected to be crucial, while the likes of Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro can learn from his experience.
Brown warned Football Insider in September that Amorim is pushing Maguire out of Man United, but Carrick’s arrival may now have given him a second chance.
The centre-back returned to the starting XI and played a crucial role in the win against Man City, and is expected to play a key role under the interim boss.
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