Manchester United have no intention of allowing Bruno Fernandes to leave the club this summer, sources have confirmed to HITC.
United’s new minority owners INEOS are putting together their new footballing department, which will soon be finalised when Dan Ashworth arrives as sporting director where he will link-up with technical director Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada – who is coming in from Manchester City as CEO this summer.
Another key aspect of the club in INEOS’ eyes is the role of club captain – with Fernandes the current incumbent and we are told that new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a confirmed admirer of the Portuguese and does not envisage a scenario where they let him leave anytime soon.
Fernandes himself has enjoyed a very good campaign, despite United’s own struggles, with 20 goals and 19 assists to his name.
His form has brought himself to the attention of the Saudi Pro League, and HITC has been told that they have touched base with his representatives – but it is understood that Fernandes is not encouraging the interest and neither are United.
United sources admit that if an ‘unbelievable’ offer arrived from Saudi or elsewhere, the club would have to consider it – but they do not see that as a likely scenario.
Fernandes has been with Untied since arrived in January 2020 from Sporting Lisbon in a deal close to £80million. He has two-years left on his current deal with The Red Devils, retaining a 12-month option to in theory tie him to the club until 2027.
Bruno Fernandes happy to commit to Manchester United
HITC understands that Fernandes is keen to further commit himself to a new long-term deal and United are ready to hold talks.
Fernandes himself revealed earlier this month that he is thinking about his future.
“I don’t have thoughts for other things at the moment. It doesn’t just depend on me,” he told DAZN Portugal.
“So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros.
“We can end the season by winning the FA Cup, then we have the European Championship, which is very important for us.
“Nothing will take my focus away from this end of the championship, the FA Cup and the European Championship. There is nothing more important than that at the moment.”
He added that he does feel wanted by United and that feeling is mutual.
“A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides” he added.
“I’m not thinking too much about the future, not least because, obviously, this season hasn’t been at the level I’d hoped for, either individually or collectively, so far.
“I want to be competitive, I want to compete, I want to win.”
The post How Ineos and Bruno Fernandes feel about his future at Manchester United in 2024/25 appeared first on HITC.