Ruben Amorim makes new Bruno Fernandes exit decision at Man United
Bruno Fernandes will be going nowhere this summer with Ruben Amorim “determined” for the Manchester United captain to stay, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about renewed interest in Fernandes from Saudi Arabia.
Fernandes was the subject of an £80million bid from Al-Hilal at the start of the summer transfer window, but the Man United captain rejected this move to stay put at Old Trafford in a huge boost for Amorim.
Football Insider revealed on 8 August that interest in Fernandes from the Middle East has resurfaced as the last month of the window begins, with both Al-Hilal and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr keen on him.
However, sources have told Football Insider that Amorim is in no mood to let Fernandes leave as part of his squad rebuild at Old Trafford this summer, despite a near-complete transformation of United’s attack.
Interest in Fernandes is expected to continue regardless of both the player and his manager’s stance on a transfer this summer, and Football Insider sources have said the Portugal playmaker could be open to a move in 12 months’ time.
‘Fernandes makes Man United transfer stance clear’
Man United were expected to use the potential fee of £100m from Fernandes’ move to Al-Hilal in order to fund their overhaul this summer, but they’ve been able to complete several headline signings regardless.
Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke argued that while Fernandes and Man United‘s stance on a transfer could eventually change, any plans for him to move on this summer have already been shelved.
“Ruben Amorim will be determined to keep hold of Fernandes”, he told Football Insider.
“Fernandes has already rejected a lucrative offer from Al Hilal, he’s the club captain at Old Trafford. He will be determined to stay there and help this new-look Manchester United.
“I don’t see any move happening this summer, but that doesn’t mean this interest will go away. He will be a dream signing for the Saudi Pro League.
“Those clubs will continue to keep tabs on Bruno Fernandes, but I think at this stage of his career, Fernandes has made it clear that he wants to remain at Europe and playing at the highest level.
“In a year or so, things might change, and those offers and interest from the Saudi Pro League will still be there for Fernandes, as long as he’s still performing for Manchester United in Portugal at a high level.”
Fernandes set for Man United role change after Sesko arrival
Man United fans, Amorim and Erik ten Hag all looked to Fernandes last season as one of the Red Devils’ only hopes of success last season, with his 38 goal contributions carrying a woeful team over the line.
Fernandes’ 19 goals and assists apiece were the difference between ‘just a poor season’ and a full-blown relegation battle for United, and it’s no surprise that Amorim has added attacking support this summer.
Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and the imminent arrival of Benjamin Sesko will provide the Red Devils with a new-look frontline, and it remains to be seen if the creative burden being lifted off Fernandes will unlock his new role in central midfield.