Bruno Fernandes is reportedly ready to pursue a shock Manchester United exit after this month’s FA Cup final against Manchester City. The United captain could explore a fresh challenge to challenge for the biggest honours as the latest rebuild during his four-and-a-half years at the club commences.
Fernandes arrived at Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in a £47million deal in January 2020, and he is widely recognised as the best signing of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The 29-year-old has scored 79 goals and provided 64 assists in 230 appearances for United, inheriting the captain’s armband last summer.
But United have been in disarray for much of his spell, and he has been at the heart of rebuilds under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag rather than regularly challenging for major honours.
The Red Devils’ Carabao Cup triumph last season was Fernandes’ first taste of silverware at the club on either side of defeats in the 2021 Europa League and 2023 FA Cup finals.
He has the opportunity to lift another major trophy on May 25, but that could well be his swansong following a nightmare season.
According to The Sun, Fernandes is considering a summer departure as United listen to offers for most senior players as part of INEOS’ overhaul.
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The charismatic No. 8 is the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia, but he wouldn’t be short of suitors across Europe after establishing himself as one of the continent’s best playmakers.
United look destined to miss out on European football entirely next season after slipping to eighth in the Premier League table, which would be the club’s worst-ever finish.
They will enter the Europa League with an FA Cup win in the second successive derby final at Wembley Stadium, but like last term, City are the strong favourites.
Fernandes may deem it the right time to walk away as Sir Jim Ratcliffe scampers to raise funds for summer upgrades in line with restrictions imposed by FFP and PSR regulations.
In April, he raised eyebrows by hinting that he could consider a United departure after the FA Cup final and this summer’s Euro 2024 campaign as Portugal’s headline star.
“Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it? 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,” Fernandes told DAZN.
“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.
“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.
“Nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment.”
