Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe has explained three reasons he feels Bruno Fernandes should consider leaving this summer.
Manchester United’s start to the season has been disappointing, with Rúben Amorim still searching for his first victory in charge during this campaign.
Despite investing over £200 million on four new arrivals this summer, including marquee signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško, United began their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
They followed that with an uninspiring 1-1 draw away at Fulham, before suffering a shock Carabao Cup exit on penalties to League Two side Grimsby Town, having trailed 2-0 at half-time.
After an encouraging pre-season, Amorim now finds himself under significant pressure, as frustration and impatience begin to grow once more around the club.
Fernandes should consider leaving United
While Amorim’s future has come under intense scrutiny, Bruno Fernandes’ poor form so far this campaign has been a topic of conversation.
The player turned down a mega contract offer from Al Hilal earlier in the transfer window, but if he had accepted the proposal, United would have earned around £100 million.
Speaking exclusively to UtdDistrict on behalf of William Hill, former United winger Lee Sharpe explained three reasons why Fernandes should still consider departing United sooner rather than later.
Sharpe also made the point that, amid the lack of minutes for Kobbie Mainoo, Fernandes’ possible departure could unleash the “prodigy” 20-year-old midfielder.
“It’s a tempting offer for both the club and the player,” The 54-year-old said. “For the club, it’s a chance to get a big fee for a 30-year-old. For Bruno, at this stage of his career, it’s a huge personal payday.
“The dilemma is whether keeping him is restricting someone like Kobbie Mainoo from getting more minutes. If Bruno left, it could accelerate Mainoo’s development.
“Bruno has been outstanding at times – scoring goals, winning games, being the catalyst. But right now, he’s struggling: getting caught in possession, letting runners go. Maybe it is time for him to move on and let the new prodigy step up.”
Fernandes is open to leaving next summer
In the last few weeks, United’s transfer window has taken a dramatic turn, and according to English reports, the club may yet receive another offer from the Saudi Pro League for their club captain before the window shuts.
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It is detailed that if this were to happen and United were to accept, they would relaunch another effort to sign Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba before the transfer deadline. However, it’s admitted that this scenario is increasingly unlikely.
According to the Daily Mail, while Fernandes would like to remain at United for another season, he is open to leaving Old Trafford next summer.
He would be open to considering a move to either another European side, the MLS, or Saudi Arabia, should this be possible in 10 months.
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