Bruno Fernandes is described as “content” at Old Trafford despite Manchester United’s dismal season and reports linking the club’s captain with a blockbuster summer switch to Saudi Arabia, ESPN reveals.
Fernandes, 30, has emerged as a serious target for Al-Hilal with the Saudi Pro League side adding the Portuguese international to a “list of potential high-profile signings” this summer, a source tells ESPN.
A report relayed by The Peoples Person last night revealed Fernandes’ representatives had held talks with the Saudi club, though Fabrizio Romano contends there has been no “club-to-club” approach.
Al-Hilal has been suggested as a potential destination for Mohammed Salah should the Egyptian winger leave Liverpool this summer but he has since signed a contract extension at Anfield. And it appears they have now begun preparations to sign an alternative superstar from Europe’s big leagues, with United’s star midfielder chief among their options.
It’s difficult to imagine where Ruben Amorim’s team would be without their captain, given the club are currently are languished in 15th place in the Premier League table.
Fernandes has scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists in all competitions this season, ranking first in both categories for United. He has also often been deployed in a midfield pivot by Amorim, placing him further away from the opposition goal and tasked with much greater levels of defensive responsibility – which Fernandes has more than met the challenge of.
At times, United’s captain has single-handedly dragged his side to victory in games they had no business winning. Without him, the team could genuinely be facing a relegation battle and would have been knocked out of the Europa League before the semi-final stage.
Which is why the prospect of losing the irreplaceable Fernandes this summer is one Old Trafford executives are not entertaining, even if it is a mammoth offer from the Middle East.
It’s a testament to Fernandes’ standing in Manchester that the club have ruled out the possibility of selling a midfielder who turns 31 in September – at any price. And reports suggest this desire to continue with the Red Devils is shared by the club’s captain.
ESPN reveals a source close to Old Trafford contends Fernandes is “content at Old Trafford after developing a strong relationship with Amorim”, despite the team’s poor performances this season.
United’s head coach has made no secret of his admiration for the midfield talisman with Amorim stressing in March that Fernandes “was not going anywhere” when the 30-year-old was linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Romano reveals the Portuguese coach considers his captain a “crucial piece” of his project at Old Trafford. And it will be music to Amorim’s ears that Fernandes is “content” to continue in that rebuild with him.
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
