Bruno Fernandes has been an indispensable part of Manchester United’s starting XI since arriving at the Theatre of Dreams in January 2020 from Sporting.
The Portuguese maestro has been a creative force for the Red Devils, flourishing under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Erik ten Hag, and, now, Ruben Amorim.
Bruno has registered 99 goals and 86 assists from 294 games for the Premier League giants. And while he has failed to power his team to Premier League glory, he has lifted the FA Cup and the EFL Cup during his time at Old Trafford.
The 31-year-old talisman has adapted his game this season, operating as one of the two midfield pivots in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
It hasn’t managed to diminish his creative output though, as the Portuguese magician has still created the most chances in the Premier League.
Bruno was a wanted man this summer
While there are no doubts about Bruno’s qualities, the player is already on the wrong side of 30, so United will have to lay down succession plans.
The Portuguese was heavily linked with a transfer to the Middle East this summer, and reportedly turned down a massive proposal to leave Old Trafford.
A recent report has outlined that Al-Nassr deployed Cristiano Ronaldo in a bid to secure his signature this summer.
Bruno opted to continue his stay with the Red Devils, but his future is uncertain, especially since United are expected to sign a new midfielder in 2026.
United will be tempted to let Bruno leave in 2026
According to Caught Offside, Bruno remains a key target in the Saudi Pro League, despite turning down a move this summer.
The report also adds that Cristiano Ronaldo approached his countryman directly this summer, but failed to convince him to join Al-Nassr.
Nevertheless, it now appears that the player’s situation with United could change in 2026.
While the Premier League giants have so far maintained that their mercurial skipper is not for sale, a departure could be a huge financial boost to the club.
2026 perhaps represents a great opportunity for United to cash in on the Portuguese, who will turn 32 at the start of next season. Bruno’s contract expires in 2027, and he apparently has admirers across Europe as well.
There will, of course, be no dearth of suitors if the former Sporting man is available next summer.
The question is, can the Red Devils risk letting the Premier League’s most creative player in the past five years leave?
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
