‘They have to want me’
Bruno Fernandes has admitted that he may consider leaving Manchester United this summer.
Fernandes has been one of the most consistent players since his arrival in January 2020, and has been one of the few positives this season, scoring 15 times in 45 appearances and registering 11 assists, all while being captain.
United are on course to finish sixth in the league and their only chance of silverware is the FA Cup – but they are heavy underdogs compared to opponents Manchester City.
United to have major overhaul this summer
Reports earlier this week stated that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing to be ruthless this summer and will make every player (barring Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund) available for transfer, including Fernandes
The midfielder’s contract doesn’t expire until 2026 and the Red Devils have the option to extend by a further 12 months but the Portugal international insisted that he needs to feel like he is wanted before committing his long-term future to the club.
Speaking to DAZN, he said: “Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it? A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides.”
He did add however that any discussions about his future would take place after Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign.
“I’m not thinking too much about the future, not least because, obviously, this season hasn’t been at the level I’d hoped for, either individually or collectively, so far,” Fernandes explained.
“We could still end the season by winning the [FA] Cup. After that, we have a very important Euros coming up.
“So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment.”
🗣️ “Um jogador tem que sempre querer cá estar, mas, ao mesmo tempo, têm que querer que ele cá fique e, neste momento, sinto isso de ambas as partes”
— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal) April 30, 2024
🎙️ Bruno Fernandes em exclusivo à DAZN#PremierELEVEN pic.twitter.com/UX8pqhEgci
Rashford and Fernandes could still stay
Although United are prepared to sell both Marcus Rashford and Fernandes this summer, it would have to take a monumental offer to consider letting them move on.
Rashford in particular is someone that United believe can turn his fortunes around after a difficult season.
Paris Saint-Germain may return to the negotiating table though as they look to replace Kylian Mbappe this summer.
A deal in the region of between £75m-£100m may be enough to convince United to part ways with their academy graduate.
Related links:
- Jamie Vardy tells Leicester player he’s ‘done f**k all’ during title celebrations
- Man United transfer list 23 of their 26 man first team squad
- Ten Hag claims Man United are ‘one of the most dynamic and entertaining teams in the league’
