Sources: Ratcliffe plans to build new-look Man United side around superstar
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to keep Bruno Fernandes at Man United and is planning to build his new-look side around the club captain despite interest in Saudi Arabia, sources have told Football Insider.
Ratcliffe is close to completing a deal which will see him buy a minority 25% stake in the club - the first step in a phased takeover at Old Trafford.
The billionaire is expected to take charge of footballing operations at Man United, and one of his first tasks in the role could be to see off interest from Saudi Arabia in superstar midfielder Fernandes.
The Portugal international, 29, has been widely linked with a potential Saudi Pro League move in recent days as they take their lavish spending to a new level.
But Football Insider revealed on Saturday (11 November) that Man United are unlikely to entertain any offers for their captain in January or in 2024's summer window.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the Red Devils are "desperate" to avoid "sending out the wrong signals" by selling Fernandes to the Middle East.
Additionally, the ex-Sporting CP star remains happy at Old Trafford as he enters his peak and is not yet thinking about moving to Saudi Arabia.
He is set to be a key part of the Ratcliffe rebuild, which is expected to begin with modest business in the January transfer window.
Fernandes has started in each of Man United’s Premier League and Champions League games so far in the 2023-24 campaign.
The midfield star, who reportedly earns £240,000-a-week at Old Trafford, replaced Harry Maguire as permanent captain earlier this year.