AC Milan boss Ruben Amorim is reportedly tracking Bruno Fernandes, whose Manchester United contract enters its final year, with the midfielder's future at Old Trafford uncertain after a public disagreement with manager Michael Carrick.
Fernandes, 32, was left on the bench for Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, a result that has put Carrick's position under further pressure. The Portugal international did not play a single minute in the match, having earlier criticised the United manager's tactics. Talks between Fernandes and the club's hierarchy over a new deal have reportedly stalled.
Release clause and contract situation
Italian outlet Calciomercato reports that Milan are monitoring the midfielder's situation and are aware of a €65 million (£54.4 million) release clause for foreign clubs in his current contract. Fernandes' relationship with United is said to have broken down, and he could push for a move in the January transfer window.
Milan may prefer to wait until June 2027 and sign Fernandes on a free transfer, although United could avoid losing him for nothing by activating their option to extend his existing deal by 12 months. His wages could also be a factor, with the former Sporting Lisbon star earning €10.2 million (£8.5 million) per year.
Amorim's admiration for Fernandes
Fernandes worked closely with Amorim during the Portuguese coach's time at Old Trafford, which ended earlier this year. In the summer of 2025, Fernandes rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia to continue working with Amorim, who is a big admirer of his compatriot's ability and leadership qualities.
"He's a leader," the former United boss said. "He cannot be that guy that when he is not playing, he's not talking and speaking. He's always speaking. That's why he's the captain. He has bad things sometimes, the way he moves his arms (on the pitch), but has a lot of good things too. So there are a lot of things that you don't see but that he does. He's a great leader all the time."
Strained relationship with Carrick
Carrick's relationship with Fernandes has become strained after the 32-year-old suggested that his manager got his tactics wrong during last week's 4-1 loss away to Como in the Champions League. Before facing Bournemouth, Carrick refused to rule out stripping Fernandes of the captaincy, with Harry Maguire wearing the armband at Old Trafford as Carrick described dropping Fernandes as a 'football decision'.
