Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Manchester United hierarchy are prepared to listen to offers for Bruno Fernandes due to the need to raise funds and cut wages.
There has been talk of the Portuguese playmaker, who has been at the club since January 2020, leaving Old Trafford despite another season where he’s been one of the team’s better performers. Ratcliffe and co acknowledge that Fernandes is a leading light within the squad.
The Manchester Evening News understands that United will consider offers for all but four players this summer, with Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund the only players definitely not up for sale. Now, the need to find money to inject back into the team coupled with the desire to trim the wage bill means that a substantial offer for Fernandes will be considered, according to the Guardian.
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Fernandes’ agent Miguel Pinho has reportedly been in discussions with potential suitors, Bayern Munich among them. Barcelona too have been touted as a destination, but their money issues mean they’re not seen as a credible option.
The ex-Sporting Lisbon star is one of the rare transfer successes at the club and is looking to extend and improve his deal, but only once he’s got certain assurances. Fernandes earns around £220,000 a week, but wants parity with top earners such as Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, reports the Mirror.
Rashford is reportedly paid a basic salary of about £365,000 with Sancho as well as Casemiro in the bracket of around £300,000 a week. Fernandes is aware that his next contract should be the most lucrative he ever signs as he prepares to turn 30 with his performance level showing no sign of dropping.
The 29-year-old is keen to understand the club’s future plans, especially with uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s position after a disappointing Premier League season. Bruno Fernandes has been vocal about his commitment and aspirations, as he expressed in an interview with the Players’ Tribune.
“I love to step out at Old Trafford more than anything in the world,” he said. “I don’t want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream. I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club. If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals. That is the standard.”
Marcus Rashford, alongside Fernandes, represents one of United’s most valuable players. With Rashford’s form dipping over the last year, the club might consider significant bids for the forward.