After almost seven years at Old Trafford, Bruno Fernandes could leave the club next summer - and Manchester United are planning a clever move to preserve his transfer value.

Fernandes has come under intense scrutiny from a fanbase that once adored him following his controversial actions. The United captain publicly called out Michael Carrick's tactics after their humiliating 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League last week.

Carrick punished the 32-year-old by dropping him to the bench against Bournemouth on Sunday and, even though his side crumbled by conceding three goals at Old Trafford, he wasn't summoned onto the pitch at any point.

Man United plan to activate option in Bruno Fernandes' contract

A winless run of seven matches in all competitions has left Carrick on the brink of being sacked, though it emerged on Tuesday (October 27) that Jason Wilcox and Sir Jim Ratcliffe will let the 45-year-old take charge of the Chelsea game after taking training at Carrington ahead of the match.

The Englishman's long-term future at the club is uncertain after signing a two-year contract in May, with Fernandes finding himself in a similar position.

United's No. 8 sees his current deal expire in June 2027, although the club does hold the option to automatically extend it by a further year, and it appears they will exercise that clause to their own benefit.

According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, Man United's hierarchy are 'considering' activating that option to 'preserve' his value before selling him later in the window.

Fernandes has attracted long-term interest from Saudi Arabia, and he rejected a £100million transfer to Al-Hilal in June 2025, despite admitting it was an "exciting" offer.

After not entertaining that eye-watering bid, the Portuguese playmaker went on to break the Premier League record for most assists (21) in a single campaign last term.

Saudi Pro League clubs then continued to sniff around for Fernandes this summer, but he had no interest in leaving; however, admirers from Saudi are expected to return in January or next summer, giving the Red Devils a potentially lucrative chance to offload him.

Why Michael Carrick dropped Bruno Fernandes against Bournemouth

It's been a difficult start to the season for Man United, who have won just one of their opening eight Premier League games, while suffering an exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion.

Fernandes hasn't exactly helped alter that narrative, having failed to score or assist in his last five top-flight matches since netting a hat-trick in a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town.

United fans have also questioned their captain's body language and lack of intensity on the pitch, with Carrick insisting that he was dropped for "purely football" reasons, despite his controversial comments after the defeat to Como.

"Picking the team is always a difficult decision," Carrick told Sky Sports before kick-off. "We've got to make what we feel is the right one for the team to try to get the performance we want."

Man United return to Premier League action with a trip to Chelsea on Saturday (October 31), and it's unclear whether Fernandes will be drafted back into the starting lineup.