Bruno Fernandes: Key Player for Manchester United Amid Transfer Speculations

omidbasir- Since returning from injury and reclaiming his position as attacking midfielder following Ruben Amorim’s departure, Bruno Fernandes has shown remarkable form. He has recorded an assist in each of his last four matches, contributing to a total of 11 goal contributions across his last nine appearances.

Fernandes’ recent productivity has propelled him to the top of the Premier League assist charts with 10 assists—three ahead of his nearest rival, Rayan Cherki. He also ranks third in total goal contributions with 15, behind only Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago.

Had his teammates been more efficient, Fernandes could have even more assists. He has created a league-high 64 chances this season, which is 21 more than the next closest challenger, Bukayo Saka. The statistic is particularly impressive considering he missed three matches over the Christmas period, resulting in an average of 3.4 chances created per 90 minutes. Cherki, at 3.1 per 90 minutes, is the only player who comes close to this figure.

When focusing solely on Manchester United players, Fernandes’ significance becomes even clearer. Amad Diallo averages 1.8 chances created per game, while Bryan Mbeumo averages 1.6. The next highest creator for United is the now-injured Patrick Dorgu, who has only three assists compared to Fernandes’ 10. Although Mbeumo has scored more goals than Fernandes, there remains a six-goal deficit in their overall contributions.

Fernandes’ outstanding performance raises concerns for United as the summer transfer window approaches, with increased interest anticipated. Last year, he received a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal, reportedly worth £700,000 ($960k) per week. Should he have moved, United could have garnered up to £100 million ($137 million) in transfer fees, and Fernandes believed the club would have allowed his departure had Amorim not encouraged him to stay.

In a December interview with Canal 11, Fernandes expressed, “From the club’s side, I felt a bit like, ‘if you leave, it’s not so bad for us.’ It hurts me a bit. Loyalty is not viewed the same way it used to be. I could have left in the last transfer window and earned much more money. My club should be my priority, yet lately, I feel like I’m on thin ice.”

While United sources maintain their desire for Fernandes to remain, the situation has evidently impacted his relationship with the club’s hierarchy. Concern persists that various clubs, particularly from Saudi Arabia, will pursue him this summer.

Fernandes signed a new contract in August 2024, which ties him to the club until 2027, with an option for an additional year. However, triggering this extension may not suffice to persuade him to stay, as a move to Saudi Arabia could triple his salary. Reports suggest that Saudi Pro League clubs remain interested in acquiring high-profile players, including Fernandes. He hinted at not completely dismissing a future move to the Middle East, stating, “I can’t complain, I’m very well paid, but obviously the difference is huge. One day, if I must play in Saudi Arabia, I will. My lifestyle will change, my children’s lives will be sunnier after six years in Manchester’s cold and rain. I would be in a growing league with recognized players.”

This summer presents a critical window for United to capitalize on Fernandes’ value. If he had joined Al-Hilal for £100 million, he would have surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo as United’s most expensive sale. However, this summer’s transfer fee may decrease, as reports indicate a clause in Fernandes’ contract could allow departures for around £57 million to non-Premier League clubs.

Further complicating the matter, Fernandes may be attracted to clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, the two Milan clubs, or Juventus. He has mentioned interest in experiencing La Liga and competing for major titles in Italy, as well as contemplating a return to Portugal.

Ultimately, his most realistic option to join clubs in Italy, Spain, or Portugal is to fulfill his contract with United and leave on a free transfer. This summer, he faces the choice between lucrative deals in the Middle East and remaining with United, which has struggled to fulfill his ambitions for major trophy contention. In his six years at Old Trafford, he has lifted only the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, and he has participated in the Champions League for just three of those seasons, exiting in the group stage twice and never advancing past the last 16.

It was surprising that he decided to stay at United after their worst season in 51 years, where they finished 15th in the Premier League and lost in the Europa League final. While United has somewhat matched his ambitions in the transfer market, under Michael Carrick, there is a sense that their restructured attack is starting to gel, with Fernandes developing a productive partnership with Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, who is beginning to live up to expectations.

Fernandes has noted that Amorim’s encouragement played a significant role in his choice to reject the Al-Hilal offer, and there was speculation that his departure could have been the tipping point for him once Amorim was dismissed. However, Carrick, having known Fernandes since his arrival at the club in January 2020 as one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s assistants, has a deeper understanding of how to utilize his talents further up the pitch.

Carrick remarked, “I have seen the impact since he first arrived. You could see the passion, how much he wanted to succeed. His consistency and performance levels have been commendable. We all wish to win and improve as a team, and Bruno has been fantastic. I have nothing but positive things to say about him.”

Carrick’s objective is not only to secure Champions League football for next season but also to convince Fernandes that something exciting is developing at United, making it worthwhile for him to spend the final years of his prime at Old Trafford instead of heading to the Middle East. His compatriot, Joao Cancelo, recently returned to Barcelona on loan after becoming dissatisfied with his time at Al-Hilal, while Ruben Neves has also shown interest in leaving, even as rumors of a contract renewal with SPL leaders circulate.

To ensure Fernandes remains, United may need to propose an improved contract. Replacing him with a player of Cole Palmer’s caliber would cost around £100 million, and there is no guarantee that the Chelsea forward—who has struggled with injuries this season—would adapt well to United. Fernandes is not only familiar with the club but continues to perform at a high level, demonstrating that he is still in his prime.

United is preparing for a busy and costly summer of transfer activity, seeking to acquire two new midfielders to replace the departing Casemiro and the underwhelming Manuel Ugarte. The challenge of replacing their talisman, particularly in his current form, is a dilemma they would prefer to avoid.