'Thanks for everything you did for me'- Alejandro Garnacho sends gushing message to Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes remains a key cog in Ruben Amorim's Manchester United side after Alejandro Garnacho was one of several players jettisoned.

Amorim was expected to fund Manchester United's summer rebuild by selling his captain to Al-Hilal, and Fernandes is set to rebuff Saudi Pro League interest in 12 months' time despite that interest remaining.

The Red Devils shelled out over £200million in the summer with three big-money additions up front, and Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko are expected to form United's new-look frontline.

Man United raised little over £60m in funds coming the other way with the respective sales of Antony and Garnacho, and the latter has been backed to thrive away from Old Trafford following his £40m move to Chelsea.

'I love you' – Alejandro Garnacho issues Bruno Fernandes tribute

Garnacho's departure from Man United had been expected from an early stage in the summer window, after he was made part of a five-man 'bomb squad' which also included Antony prior to his own exit.

Marcus Rashford, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho joining the out-of-favour duo left a greater burden on Fernandes' shoulders, and Ally McCoist has suggested that losing the captainty could see him flourish.

Fernandes' impact over the past six seasons have made him the only standout candidate for the Man United captaincy, however, and Garnacho has paid tribute to his own progess alongside the 31-year-old.

Garnacho posted on his Instagram story to celebrate Fernandes' 31st birthday on Monday, and said: "Bruno Fernandes. Thanks for everything you did for me – I love you"

Man United set for system change to unlock Bruno Fernandes?

Football Insider Verdict

Although it's unclear who would take the armband for Fernandes were he to relinquish the captainty at Old Trafford, but Man United's start to the season has already suggested a positional change is needed.

Cunha, Mbeumo and Sesko have been signed to spearhead Amorim's 3-4-2-1 setup, and it's no surprise that Fernandes continues to be linked with moves away after being repurposed into a deep midfield role.

Fernandes has excelled as a number 10 since moving to Manchester at the start of 2020, and unless Amorim alters his system to complement his captain's best attributes, he could be the next big name to follow Garncho out the door.