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Manchester United have reportedly made a decision on the future of Bruno Fernandes, who is nearing the end of his contract at Old Trafford. His current deal expires in June of 2027, although the Red Devils have the option to trigger a 12-month extension. Fernandes has been a controversial figure at United this season, as a result of his dire displays on the pitch and his critical comments in media interviews.
He made headlines after last week's Champions League defeat to Como, when he questioned Michael Carrick's tactics and said that it was up to the 45-year-old, not the players, to sort things out.
As a result of those comments, the Portugal international was left on the bench for United's defeat to Bournemouth. He was sent to warm up in the second half, but didn’t get on the pitch as the Red Devils conceded three goals without reply.
Fernandes returned to the starting line-up against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, though he couldn't prevent United from slipping to another painful defeat.
His turbulent campaign has raised questions over his long-term future at Old Trafford, with his contract expiring in just over 18 months.
It’s been reported by the Daily Mail that United aren’t willing to break the bank to keep Fernandes when his current deal runs out. They could still renew at the right price or simply trigger the 12-month extension to ensure that he doesn’t leave on a free transfer.
The report hints that Fernandes could be sold in the not-too-distant future, given that United were apparently open to letting him join Al-Hilal last summer.
It comes after former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino insisted that no Premier League team would be willing to pay a premium to sign Fernandes, suggesting that a price tag of £60million would put off most suitors.
Cascarino told talkSPORT: “Would [he] go for £60m? You might from Saudi Arabia, but you wouldn't from another Premier League team. There is no way that would happen.
"I really don't think a Premier League club would pay it. He's 32, so would you pay £60m and put him on a huge wage? I would think absolutely not. Has he been a great player for Man United? Yes, he has. He's had periods where he has dragged the club out of trouble with his goals and his assists.”
Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda went on to suggest that Fernandes’ time at United might be coming to an end, claiming the Red Devils are holding him back from becoming one of the world’s top players.
He explained: “I really think that's the best for both because I think first of all, Manchester United must organise their own dressing room.
"Even for Bruno Fernandes, I think the best for both is to, let's say, break this relationship and find a solution, because I think that kind of organisation that Man United needs to make a step back, to make two steps forward, starts with cleaning the dressing room.
"I think that a player like Fernandes nowadays, it's better to not be there, even for him, because I think that Fernandes is in a team that is more established, fighting for big things.
“Even for him, it could be much better, because yesterday, for example, it is what it is, but Bruno Fernandes, the position that he had in the Ballon d’Or [27th], for example, it doesn't reflect the player that he is, the numbers that he has.
"And if he plays for another team, I'm sure that Bruno Fernandes easily can be in the top ten players of the world."
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