Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has backed one crucial player to remain at the club this summer despite transfer speculation.
Manchester United are poised to overhaul their squad this summer with new players being brought in to better fit Ruben Amorims system.
However due to PSR issues and the possibility of not qualifying for any European competition, United will be operating on a limited budget that will require player outgoings to fund new transfers.
The January transfer window saw fear amongst United fans following reports that young talents such as Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo may leave the club to fund a rebuild as they are some of the clubs most highly valued assets.
It currently seems like no players future at the club is certain but a former United player has stated that one key figure will remain at the club.
Brown backs Fernandes to remain at United
One player who has been rumoured to leave the club this summer is Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese midfielder is on contract until 2027, with United having the option to extend it by a further year, but with the skipper having turned 30 earlier in the season there is limited time left for the club to cash out.
Last month saw reports that Real Madrid are interested in the attacking star and with United’s financial predicament they could allow the player to leave.
However former United defender Wes Brown spoke to AOS about Fernandes’ current situation at the club and he thinks there is no chance of a departure happening.
“Bruno Fernandes is definitely staying at Manchester United,” Brown said. “He’s playing a lot better than where the club is in the Premier League, that’s for sure, and he’s the one player who can really hold his head up high. He’s been at the top of his game and has got the club out of a lot of trouble this season.
“You can see the frustration at times with him – you’d ideally like the squad to be full of players with similar ability and passion as him, so I understand why he gets annoyed. There will definitely be some big teams looking at him in the summer, but I’m certain he will stay.”
Fernandes too valuable to lose
Browns comments on Fernandes show that his value to the club is more than any club would be willing to pay. Even the £90 million that Real Madrid are reportedly willing to pay would not be enough to bring in replacements for all Fernandes does for the club.
The most obvious value that Fernandes brings to the club is his goal involvements. In the Premier League he has managed 112 goals and assists in 190 games making him one of the most prolific players in the league despite United’s poor form. During this season he has been directly involved in 17 of United’s 38 league goals and without his involvement the club would be in 19th place and set to be relegated.
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In addition to the goals and assists that Fernandes brings to the side his captaincy is also of immense value. If Fernandes was to leave the club then the board would need to bring in a replacement with his leadership abilities as that is an aware of weakness amongst the current squad.
This is further emphasised with multiple senior players being set to leave including Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans all of whom have worn the armband for segments of games during Fernandes absence.
Ruben Amorim has played Fernandes in every game that he’s been available during his tenure and it is clear that the manager values him highly. Due to this it seems unlikely that the club would cash out on Fernandes unless it was absolutely financially necessary.
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