If there is one player many Manchester United fans believed would spearhead Ruben Amorim’s rebuild, it is Bruno Fernandes.
It is no secret that the Portuguese tactician plans to oversee a significant squad overhaul, with underperforming players making way for higher-quality additions.
While certain well-known United players were expected to depart, few anticipated that Bruno Fernandes would be among them.
Yet, as relayed by The Peoples Person, the United playmaker is now likely to leave for Al-Hilal, with the Saudi Pro League side pushing aggressively to secure his signature.
Arguably the most impactful signing of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, Fernandes has been a standout performer since his £47 million move to Manchester in January 2020.
A four-time Sir Matt Busby United Player of the Season winner, the 30-year-old has amassed 290 appearances for the Red Devils, registering 98 goals, 84 assists, and an astonishing 702 chances created.
United had hoped this summer’s transfer window would see INEOS strengthen the squad with high-quality reinforcements, with the Portuguese expected to remain central to that vision.
However, as each moment passes, his exit seems more inevitable.
If the Portuguese Magnifico leaves, what next?
Reports now suggest that if the Portuguese international completes his £80 million Saudi Pro League move, United may reconsider another anticipated sale.
After failing to secure Champions League qualification via the Europa League, i News reports that United’s absence from Europe’s elite competition has cost them upwards of £100 million in transfer funds.
The same source acknowledges that Amorim’s squad finds itself in a position where player sales have become necessary.
Yet, following a disappointing league campaign, few United players are attracting substantial interest.
Among those who are, like Kobbie Mainoo, selling them would be highly controversial.
According to that report, INEOS may have been forced to consider offloading midfield prodigy Mainoo to fund the rebuild.
A standout under former manager Erik ten Hag, the Stockport-born midfielder has struggled to establish himself under Amorim.
United’s coaching staff continue to search for Kobbie Mainoo’s ideal role, but given his undeniable talent, already singled out by Ruben Amorim, many believe it is only a matter of time before he fully integrates into the squad.
“I like him [Mainoo] with the ball. Sometimes you have more space in the build-up phase,” Amorim told The Metro last February.
“I think he’s a good player because he can hold the ball. He is very good one on one and he is creative. We need creativity in the final third.”
Regardless, with the club captain looking like he will leave, Mainoo is now expected to stay and continue his development at Carrington.
Keeping Mainoo is a wise decision
With United poised to lose their best midfielder, they simply cannot afford to risk letting the future of their engine room slip away as well.
The backlash from supporters if both players were to leave in the same window would be unbearable for INEOS and the Glazers.
Fernandes’ leadership, goals, and assists will be difficult to replace.
But at 30 years old, with a team willing to spend £80 million for his services, sanctioning his exit may be the pragmatic choice.
Hopefully, the funds generated from his sale will allow United to secure a worthy replacement—though finding one may prove challenging.
Bruno Fernandes is simply irreplaceable.
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Daniel Onguko
Since Dan was introduced to Manchester United in 2008, he has lived and breathed the club. What started as being a fan evolved into writing about United, allowing him to feel part of their journey. Hopefully, his work might even help rekindle your love for the kings of Manchester.
