A Manchester United source has claimed that the Red Devils are already preparing an internal replacement as fears of Bruno Fernandes leaving the club begin to resurface.
Latest information on Fernandes’ future at Manchester United
There were moments when it looked like Fernandes would be sent off from Old Trafford after Saudi Arabia came calling, but in the end his heart was with Man United. Their star man remained without a transfer fee worth £100m, but the story may not end there.
The reward for Fernandes’ persistence was a new role in coach Ruben Amorim’s team. Instead of playing in one of two advanced roles as perhaps one of the Premier League’s best creators, the United captain has been asked to play in a deeper role alongside either Manuel Ugarte or Casemiro, and his output has taken a huge hit as a result.
Fernandes PL stats P90 | 24/25 | 25/26 |
|---|---|---|
the goal | 0.24 | 0.29 |
assist | 0 | 0.3 |
Carry into the penalty area | 0.29 | 0.42 |
take on | 0.57 | 0.84 |
Fernandes is unlikely to repeat his 18-goal contribution from last season without having a direct influence in the area, and if United are unable to get the best out of their star man, there will be questions about his future.
According to Football Insider, the Portugal international could be tempted to leave Old Trafford with clubs in the Saudi Professional League once again interested in a £100m deal.
It was difficult to see how the Red Devils would cope without Fernandes last season. Everything positive came through him. However, with him now in a deeper role, INEOS may think it’s worth signing the 31-year-old while he’s still available.
If that is the case, one Man United source believes Amorim will move towards finding a replacement internally.
Insiders believe Mainu could replace Fernandes
Former Old Trafford scout Mick Brown says Man United are already preparing Koby Mainu to replace Fernandes, despite concerns that he could leave the club due to lack of game time.
“Now, they’re always going to have a hard time finding a player as good as Bruno. I don’t believe they will, but I think the work to find that player is already underway.
“The manager has made it clear that he sees them as competitors for the same role, so it seems to me that Mainu is listed as the best choice to replace him.
“Man United are reluctant to let Maynou leave. They see him as part of the club’s long-term future in the starting XI and that could be his chance.”
Surely that makes sense. Mainu is a talented addition to coach Ruben Amorim’s plans this season, and a deeper role for Fernandes could open the door for the Carrington graduate.
If United’s captain were to leave, Mainu would be the perfect player to step into his new role, with the likes of Matheus Cunha and Brian Mbeumo filling the remaining creative roles.
