Manchester United's chaotic January has taken fresh twists, with the club's transfer plans thrown into disarray following the dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager's exit has sparked major uncertainty, raising fears over captain Bruno Fernandes's future and potentially costing the Red Devils a bargain defensive signing.
Bruno Fernandes Exit Fears Emerge at Old Trafford
Bruno Fernandes's Manchester United teammates reportedly believe the club captain has had enough of the ongoing turmoil and could seek a move away this summer. The 31-year-old playmaker, who has been at Old Trafford for six years, was the subject of a £100 million offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last summer.
Fernandes admitted in November that he felt "hurt" and "sad" by the club's willingness to consider selling him, and it was Amorim who convinced him to stay. Now, with Amorim gone after a difficult 14-month tenure, the dressing room sentiment suggests Fernandes may finally depart. A source close to the squad indicated that while no one wants him to leave, his commitment has never wavered and an exit would be understood.
Amorim Sacking Halts Bargain Defender Move
In a separate blow to United's recruitment, the club risks missing out on a cost-effective deal for Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi. The 28-year-old Argentine centre-back is out of contract this summer and had been contacted by United in December regarding a potential free transfer.
However, with the club now "busy with other matters" following Amorim's dismissal and focused on appointing a new manager, the pursuit of Senesi has been placed on the back burner. This delay could allow other European giants to swoop in, with Serie A's Juventus and Barcelona both reportedly in talks with the player's representatives.
Managerial Search Adds to January Chaos
The search for Amorim's successor is adding another layer of instability to a critical transfer window. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has emerged as a candidate for the caretaker manager role, with CEO Omar Berrada and Director of Football Jason Wilcox meeting the former boss this weekend. This potential appointment could significantly alter United's transfer strategy compared to just 11 days ago when the window opened.
Regardless of who takes the helm, Wilcox continues to work on potential incomings and outgoings behind the scenes. Yet, the overarching sense is of a club in reactive mode, with key plans unravelling and valuable opportunities, like the Senesi deal, slipping through their fingers.
