Stefan Borson: This is the most likely scenario for Bruno Fernandes after Man United exit news
Manchester United have been faced with stories around Bruno Fernandes’s future for several months.
Fernandes has recently gone public about his situation after revealing Man United wanted to sell him in the summer transfer window to Saudi club Al-Hilal.
It was speculated Al-Hilal were ready to pay £100million to sign Fernandes, but he remained at Old Trafford despite being presented with a favourable package.
The 31-year-old’s situation is currently complicated by the injury he picked up in Man United’s 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa on 21 December.
Why Man United were open to Bruno Fernandes sale
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider there are question marks around why Saudi clubs would agree a big-money deal for Fernandes.
There have been suggestions Man United could sell Fernandes in January following his recent comments.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I mean, could they maybe do better without him? Who knows.
“I think maybe at some point that was the view of the people on the money side that actually it wouldn’t affect them on the pitch that much, and they could use the money elsewhere.
“I guess the only thing you question is why would Saudi Arabia want to pay up big money for the player as he gets older and older? I mean, he may be a great free transfer at some point.
“He’s a very good player, but he’s not exactly a kind of poster child of the Premier League or Mo Salah for the Middle East. He’s a big player, but he’s no Ronaldo, right?”
Man United could agree ‘modest’ Fernandes deal
Borson suggested Fernandes could end up staying at Man United until his contract expires in June 2027.
“I think they’ll end up keeping him maybe until the end of his contract or selling him for a relatively modest fee when they feel that it’s run its course,” said Borson.
“But I don’t think it’s a big surprise. I think it’s just an insight overall into the way that Manchester United are currently run, with quite a clear financial view on things and a risk reward of keeping a player of his age.”
Man United signed Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 in a deal worth up to £67.7m, meaning the club could make a significant profit on a potential sale.
The Portugal international has registered five goals and seven assists in 18 appearances this season.
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