The future of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is once again under intense scrutiny, with fresh reports suggesting his teammates are worried he could seek an exit this summer.
Teammates fear Fernandes has 'had enough'
According to a report from The Sun, players within the Old Trafford dressing room are 'concerned he may leave' when the season concludes. The source indicates that colleagues believe the Portuguese playmaker has grown weary of the ongoing 'shambles' at the club and could pursue a new challenge after the upcoming World Cup.
A source close to the squad told the publication: 'Some of the squad think Bruno has had enough and, to be honest, they don't blame him. He always gives 100% and has been the club's best player since he joined.'
Summer Saudi interest and contract details
This speculation follows significant interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last summer. The Middle Eastern club was reportedly prepared to offer a staggering £100 million transfer fee and triple Fernandes's wages. Despite the lucrative proposal, the 29-year-old opted to remain in Manchester.
Fernandes's current contract at United runs until 2027, with the club holding an option to extend it by a further year. However, the player's recent comments have cast doubt on his long-term commitment.
Fernandes reveals club's stance on potential sale
In a revealing interview with Canal+, Fernandes addressed the summer saga and his feelings about the club's hierarchy. He stated he decided against the move to Saudi Arabia for family reasons and his affection for United, but was hurt by the club's perceived ambivalence.
'From the club I felt; 'If you go it's not that bad for us'. It hurts me a bit,' Fernandes confessed. 'More than hurting, it makes me sad, I'm a player who has nothing to point to, I'm always available, I always give the best of me.'
He went further, alleging that the club's directors wanted him to leave but lacked the courage to act against former manager Ruben Amorim's wishes. 'I told the directors that, I don't think they had the courage to make that decision because the coach wanted me. But if I said I wanted to leave, even though the coach wanted me to stay, the club would let me,' he claimed.
Fernandes also confirmed he held direct talks with United's top brass, including CEO Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox, while the team was in Malaysia. He presented Al-Hilal's offer and sought their perspective. The executives reportedly told him they would not block a move due to the 'massive money' involved, but expressed a desire for him to stay.
The report also suggests Fernandes has been disappointed by the new ownership structure at United, and the recent dismissal of Amorim has not helped matters. With the summer transfer window approaching, the uncertainty surrounding the captain's future looks set to become a major distraction for the struggling Premier League giants.
