Manchester United have made an underwhelming start to the season, securing just one point from their first two Premier League matches.
It’s not been all bad, with some promising performances across the pitch, and there is still considerable excitement around Ruben Amorim’s expensively-assembled new front three.
Fernandes’ future uncertain
The signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, coupled with a resurgence in the form and availability of Mason Mount, clearly indicates that Bruno Fernandes’ future lies in a deeper midfield role.
It’s not his natural position and requires much more discipline than the more free-roaming approach he was used to taking as United’s creator-in-chief behind a central striker.
He finds himself stuck in a problem area of Amorim’s setup, where each of the Portuguese’s midfield options seems to be lacking in one way or another.
Saudi interest
Fernandes has been United’s talisman for years but had fans on edge earlier this summer when Al-Hilal made him an offer worth £200m, including bonuses, over three years.
The 30-year-old ultimately rejected the eye-watering approach and was firm in his conviction that he wanted to stay at Old Trafford.
But last week another Saudi Pro League side – Al-Ittihad – expressed an interest in Fernandes, with a £33m-a-year deal reportedly discussed to set tongues wagging about a potential last-minute Old Trafford exit for the player.
<h3<Fernandes open to a move next summer
This is thought to be unlikely but The Daily Mail make the huge claim that Fernandes will be “open to leaving Manchester United” at the end of the season, meaning the clock is already ticking on a potential explosive exit.
The Man United Confidential report claims that the player “wants to stay at Old Trafford for another season and avoid any disruption before playing for Portugal in the World Cup next summer”, but indicates that all bets could be off thereafter.
The outlet claims that Fernandes, who would be nearly 32 at this point, would then be open to a new project either in Saudi, the MLS or in another top European league. What’s more, they speculate that United may well be tempted to cash in on their captain at that point, particularly if his struggles in central midfield continue.
Anything can still happen
Many United fans are clamouring to see Kobbie Mainoo given game time in the role currently occupied by Fernandes, who uncharacteristically missed a penalty in the 1-1 draw at Fulham last weekend.
Ultimately, say the Mail, it is “unlikely” that the player will leave this summer but even that may change if Al-Ittihad make a gigantic “take-it-or-leave-it offer before the Saudi transfer window closes on September 10”.
The likelihood is that Fernandes will play out the rest of the season with United, but it would not be a surprise if the Mail are correct and a move next summer materialises.
Featured image Clive Brunskill via Getty Images
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