Bruno Fernandes has hinted he could consider a shock exit from Manchester United just a day after reports suggested the club were open to sell the majority of their squad in a drastic overhaul this summer.
Erik ten Hag won the Carabao Cup and led United to third place in his debut season in the Premier League, but has endured a nightmare second campaign at Old Trafford.
United are marooned in sixth place on the league table, were dumped out of the Champions League in the group stage and their defence of the League Cup ended prematurely.
Ten Hag’s men reached the FA Cup final for the second consecutive season after surviving a major scare against Coventry, but their chances of upsetting Manchester City in a repeat of last season’s showpiece appear remote.
The club captain, Fernandes has been one of the few positive notes in an otherwise dismal campaign, scored 15 goals in 45 appearances in all competitions and setting up a further 11.
Bruno Fernandes has admitted he could consider leaving Manchester United
The Portuguese said he wants to feel wanted at Old Trafford under the new INEOS regime
Fernandes has been a standout performer for United this season, with 15 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions
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The Portuguese is under contract at Old Trafford until the end of the 2025-26 season – United have an option to extend the deal by a further 12 months – and is broadly seen as one of United’s cornerstones.
But Fernandes appeared to cast doubts over his permanence at United, which he joined from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, and insisted he needed to feel wanted at Old Trafford.
‘I’m not thinking about other things at the moment,’ he told DAZNPortugal on Tuesday.
‘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.’
The Portugal international, however, noted any discussion over his future would have to wait until after the Euros.
‘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,’ he explained.
United manager Erik ten Hag is fighting for his future at Old Trafford after a dismal season
Sir Jim Ratcliffe (right) is prepared to be brutal with outgoings due to United’s meagre budget
Manchester United are open to selling the majority of their squad, including Marcus Rashford
Along with Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund (left) and Alejandro Garnacho (right) are two of the only three players United are not open to sell in the summer
‘We could still end the season by winning the [FA] Cup. After that, we have a very important Euros coming up.
‘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 because 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.
His comments came barely 24 hours reports suggested INEOS, who have taken control of football operations at Old Trafford following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 percent takeover earlier this year, were preparing a ruthless clearout.
According to The Telegraph, Ratcliffe and incoming CEO Omar Berrada, are prepared to be brutal with potential outgoings at the end of the season, especially with United restricted due to the Premier League‘s spending rules.
Just three players – Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – have been spared from the chopping block, with United open to offers for Marcus Rashford.
Mail Sport‘s Chris Wheeler first reported that selling Rashford is an option. With 100 per cent of the profit from trading homegrown players going toward complying with FFP regulations, a sale may fit into INEOS’ commitment to a fierce economy drive.
Paris Saint-Germain, who held talks with Rashford’s representatives two years ago, are one of a handful of clubs that could realistically match his £75million valuation and stump up for his hefty personal terms as they look to replace Kylian Mbappe.
Mail Sport understands that United continue to believe in Rashford and want him to succeed after investing so heavily in him with a bumper new contract.
According to the BBC, meanwhile, it would take ‘a major offer’ for United to even consider parting ways with Fernandes.
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