Fabrizio Romano: United superstar set for crunch talks with INEOS amid intense Saudi interest

Manchester United’s thrilling come-from-behind win over Crystal Palace on Sunday saw the Red Devils climb to third in the Premier League table. It was far from a vintage display, but Bruno Fernandes’ second-half star turn ensured the three points remained in Manchester. The Portuguese superstar continues to break record after record and it is clear for all to see that the 20-time English league champions need him. Last summer, INEOS tried to offload him to Saudi Arabia, where Al-Hilal were ready to pay a humongous fee to seal the deal. However, the club captain ended up staying. Saudi sides expected to come back for Bruno Fernandes According to Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League sides are expected to try again this summer. United want him to stay this time out. “Top clubs from the Saudi Pro League are expected to come in again for Bruno Fernandes this summer but it’ll be up to Bruno on what he wants to do.” According to Teamtalk, he is keen to remain at Old Trafford with a meeting with the club officials set to take place after the season. “TEAMtalk understands that Bruno Fernandes is planning to sit down with Manchester United this summer to discuss his future, but sources close to the club suggest the Portuguese star is showing few signs of wanting to depart Old Trafford. Meeting with INEOS scheduled “With just over 18 months left on his current deal and United holding an option to extend for another year, potentially keeping him at the club until he’s 34, Fernandes’ future appears increasingly intertwined with the Red Devils’ plans. “Talks are now due to take place at the end of the season, but increasingly it seems both sides will confirm their belief their futures are best served together. “Indeed, sources indicate that, much like teammates Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire, Fernandes is now seen as a pivotal figure in the club’s vision, especially in the short to medium term.” With Champions League qualification looking like a real possibility under the caretaker head coach, Bruno Fernandes sees no reason to jump ship. And if Carrick ends up staying, the merrier for the former Sporting CP star. Now, the ball seems to be in INEOS’ court. Feature image Stu Forster 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 Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25