Bruno Fernandes is the one player that most Manchester United fans would hate to see leave.
The Portuguese icon has been a beacon of hope for supporters wading through the recent turbulent seasons.
Since he first stepped on the Old Trafford turf against Wolverhampton Wanderers in February 2020, there hasn’t been a better player in the squad.
Time and again, the Red Devils have turned to their talisman for inspiration and he hasn’t disappointed.
Interestingly, the player was a wanted man this summer, with clubs in the Middle East keen to prise him away.
Saudi interest refuses to go away
Al-Hilal were the first to approach him, and were willing to offer him enormous wages to make the move.
Al-Ittihad also tried to secure his signature, while Al-Nassr reportedly sought Cristiano Ronaldo’s services to convince Bruno to move.
However, the 31 year old turned them down as he wanted to stay at the Theatre of Dreams. The Premier League giants, meanwhile, also showed no inclination to let him go.
Bruno has since been indispensable for the Red Devils once again this season.
Now operating as one of the midfield pivots, the Portuguese has pulled the strings from deep.
The former Sporting ace has already created 12 chances in the Premier League, the most in the league.
It is also the joint most in the top five leagues in Europe, along with Kylian Mbappe.
While he remains indispensable to United’s plans, interest from the Middle East refuses to go away. Recent reports have suggested that Saudi clubs are likely to return for him.
Bruno in contact with the Middle East
Despite the failed summer attempts, clubs from Saudi Arabia have maintained contact with Bruno’s camp, according to TBR Football.
The Portuguese, though, remains focused on United and his nation’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
However, Saudi clubs have told the Red Devils ace that they are willing to make a move for him again.
According to TBR Football, United’s resolve could be tested at the turn of the year. The outlet claims that “a move in January should not be discounted.”
Speaking about the Pro League’s interest, journalist Graeme Bailey opined that: “at one point in the summer, the Pro League thought Bruno was coming, but they understood his reasoning for staying. It is Amorim’s first full campaign as United boss, so he felt the need, as captain, to stay.
“However, I am told that Fernandes’ situation is far from settled and come the New Year, it is one to keep an eye on when it comes to the Pro League. Fernandes is one of the few players they are prepared to pay good money for.”
In March 2020, a month after his arrival, Bruno travelled to the Etihad to face United’s bitter rivals.
30 minutes into the game, the Portuguese magnifico churned up a moment of genius.
An inventive lob over the opposition wall caught City by surprise, and saw Anthony Martial score the opening goal of the game.
United won the game 2-0, with Scott McTominay chipping a late long ranger into an empty net.
It was the first time the Red Devils had won in the enemy’s backyard in years. The game also announced Bruno Fernandes to the world and gave the club their new talisman.
Are United fans ready to say goodbye?
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.
