Manchester United are in the middle of a turbulent period, with their captain Bruno Fernandes at the heart of it. As the season draws to a disappointing close, his future has become uncertain amid interest from Saudi side Al-Hilal.
Following a devastating defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final, United have not only lost their last opportunity at silverware but also failed to qualify for European competition next season. This caps off a campaign riddled with poor performances and record lows.
Inside the dressing room, Fernandes remains a respected leader. Despite external criticism, his teammates value his influence and reportedly sent messages of support, urging him to stay and be part of the club’s next chapter under manager Ruben Amorim. There’s a strong feeling among players that losing him would destabilize the squad even further.
Al-Hilal are preparing a huge bid worth £100 million and are offering the Portuguese international £700,000 a week. However, United’s management has yet to make a final decision, even as cost-cutting measures continue behind the scenes. Reports suggest another wave of staff redundancies is incoming under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s restructuring plans.
Fernandes, 30, has stated his commitment but also acknowledged that his future lies in the club’s hands. He’s open about staying but has made it clear that if United decide to move on, he will respect that decision.
As the season ends with a fixture against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, Amorim is expected to address the fans with a traditional lap of honour. He admitted that an apology is necessary after such a disappointing year and intends to speak honestly about the team’s performance and future.
Whether Fernandes will still be at the club after the summer remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — his exit could leave a significant void in a team already on the edge.