One of Manchester United’s most important players has been tipped for an Old Trafford exit this summer despite signing a new contract last summer.
Manchester United have had a dismal campaign in the Premier League but still have the chance to end the season strongly by winning the Europa League.
The Reds face Tottenham Hotspur in the final and afterwards the full focus will be on the summer transfer window and improving Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Some sales are also expected, although there are a select number of players the club are not planning to let go, with Bruno Fernandes being one of those.
Fernandes, 30, has scored 19 goals and registered 19 assists this season and has dragged this United side forward during a tough campaign.
Recent reports have suggested that Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal are interested in making the United captain their star signing this summer, but United do not want to sell him.
McCoist tips Fernandes for top European move
Ally McCoist has weighed in on the situation and believes that Fernandes would not make the move to Saudi Arabia this summer, and he thinks his relationship with Amorim could be key in him staying.
However, the pundit has also suggested that Fernandes’ head would turn if a top European team were interested in his services, with Real Madrid being among those clubs.
“I think Bruno Fernandes will stay at the club,” McCoist told talkSPORT BET. “But I think if he got the opportunity to go to a top European club like Real Madrid, he’d take the chance. There’s only a small selection of clubs I think he’d consider leaving Manchester United for, but it’s definitely a possibility.
“He has been fantastic this season, he’s carried them on his shoulders by himself. It is of paramount importance that United keep hold of him. I think they have a better chance of doing that now Ruben Amorim is the manager.
“Without stating the obvious, the fact they’re both Portuguese will help in the club’s efforts to keep him, but if a big European club came in, I could see him leaving.
“I can’t see Bruno heading to Saudi though; he’s not ready for that. I believe he’s a lot better than that in terms of ability – he’s not entered the stage in his career where he needs to be considering a final big-money move.”
United must recruit well to help Fernandes
Fernandes signed a new deal at Old Trafford last summer because INEOS decided they wanted him at the forefront of their rebuild and that has certainly not changed from their point of view.
However, Fernandes looks like he’s at the peak of his powers right now and he should be no where near a team who are right outside of the relegation spots.
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United’s recruitment this summer has to show the club captain that they are heading in the right direction. While some younger talent is being pursued, they also need to bring in ready-made stars.
While the 30-year-old does not seem to want to move to Saudi, it is undeniable that another big European club would not make him think with the current situation at Old Trafford.
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