Bruno Fernandes’ future at Manchester United remains under intense scrutiny, with reports claiming his team-mates fear he “could leave” at the end of the campaign. The Sun reports that his colleagues at Old Trafford are worried that United’s captain and chief creator is fed up with the “challenge” that has engulfed the club.
The report suggests Fernandes could look for pastures new after this summer’s World Cup. Last summer, the midfielder was linked with a move to Saudi Professional League side Al Hilal, with a reported price tag of £100m. Despite having the chance to triple his salary, he chose to stay.
A source told The Sun newspaper: “Part of the team think Bruno has had enough and to be honest they don’t blame him. He always gives 100 per cent and has been the club’s best player since he arrived.”
The source also suggested that while the Portugal captain is disappointed with United’s new ownership arrangements, this week’s sacking of Ruben Amorim has done little to lift spirits.
Fernandes claimed last month that club leaders were keen to unload his job but lacked the courage to defy Amorim.
The midfielder, who is under contract at Old Trafford until 2027 with an option for a further year, spoke about the possibility of leaving in the summer in an interview with The Canal.
“I decided not to go (to Saudi Arabia), not only for family reasons, but also because I really liked the club,” he said.
“I felt from the club, ‘If you leave, it’s not so bad for us.’ I was a little hurt. More than hurt, I was sad. I’m a player with nothing to point out. I’m always ready, I always give my best.”
He continued: “The club wanted me to leave. I told the managers that I didn’t think they had the courage to make that decision because the coach wanted me. But if I said I wanted to leave, the club would let me, even if the coach wanted me to stay.”
Back in October, Fernandes revealed to journalists that he had spoken to United’s senior management about his future.
He said: “I have had discussions with Al Hilal, everyone knows that. Some people from Europe have spoken to me, but we have not reached the stage where we have an offer on the table.
“I spoke to both (director of football Jason Wilcox and CEO Omar Berada). I think we were in Malaysia, that’s when it all started.”
“I said to Omar, ‘Look, this is what’s on the table. I know the club might look at this one way, and I might look at it another way. So I just want to know your take.’
“Jason, like Omar, said: ‘We won’t say no, but we want him to stay at the club. If he wants to go, we won’t say it’s not an offer for us, because obviously it’s a huge amount of money.’
“I talked to the coach and he said, ‘No, we don’t want you to leave because we want more players to help us become a better team. If we bring in some guys and then lose you, we’ll still lose together.'”
