Former United coach believes Carrick favourite will leave “if Real Madrid calls him”

Bruno Fernandes’ future at Manchester United will be one of the hot discussion points at Old Trafford this summer, with the midfielder rapidly approaching the latter stage of his career. Should the United skipper feel he has done all he can in Manchester, INEOS would be negligent not to consider any serious offer that might come their way. Given Fernandes’ form once more this season, United could still command a high price for a player on the wrong side of 30 but showing no signs of slowing down. Destination unknown It’s no secret United had conversations with their captain last summer regarding moving on from the club, with Saudi side Al-Hilal reportedly willing to break the bank for the midfielder. However, the Mancunians turned it down with Bruno’s blessing, and former United coach Rene Meulensteen has suggested Fernandes could still move to a European giant, should he decide to leave Old Trafford. As reported by Spanish media, Meulensteen praised Fernandes for his loyalty and performance levels with United over recent years, but says the lure of moving to Real Madrid or Barcelona could be enough to tempt him to pastures new. “He has been committed to United for quite some time now and he is possibly their best player of the last six seasons. Even in United’s difficult moments, he has always been the one who has given his best. “If you ask me, if a team like Real Madrid or maybe Barcelona were to come, you might be tempted to go and say, ‘Listen, I want to experience that,’” he says. The report states that Madrid aren’t currently looking for a player of the profile of Fernandes, with Arda Güler and Jude Bellingham filling those positions. If that is the case, Bruno may have to look further afield if he calls time in Manchester, and there is little doubt the Saudi Pro League would love to make him their marquee summer signing. Meulensteen added that he could not see Fernandes leaving for another Premier League team, but did not rule out a Saudi cash grab from both the player’s and United’s perspective. “I think he’s very connected to United and he’s loyal. But it could be the case that another team, perhaps in Saudi Arabia, knocks on his door with a considerable amount of money, because we all know United’s financial situation,” he adds. Benefits of staying put Despite the rumours, there is a high chance Fernandes commits to United for another season at least. The 31-year-old’s contract runs out at the end of next season, but the club has the option to trigger his deal until the end of 2028. Fernandes has been in outstanding form in recent weeks, and should United qualify for next season’s Champions League, it would be hard to leave the club without having a crack at Europe’s top table. Unless INEOS receive an offer they simply could not refuse, the smart money is on Bruno to lead United into another season, and how he would love to end his time at the club with a Premier League trophy that would be richly deserved given his performance levels since he arrived in 2020. Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Conner Botterill Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for three years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology through the Open University. His favourite match attended was the Champions League victory in Paris under one the guidance of one of his idols, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.