Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Manchester United hierarchy are open to offers for Bruno Fernandes as they aim to raise funds and cut wages.
Despite Fernandes’ consistent performance since joining in January 2020, financial pressures are pushing the club to consider his sale. According to the Guardian, Manchester United acknowledges Fernandes’ key role in the squad but needs to inject money back into the team and manage the wage bill.
Fernandes’ agent, Miguel Pinho, has been in discussions with potential buyers, including Bayern Munich. Although Barcelona has been mentioned, their financial issues make them a less likely option.
Fernandes, who currently earns around £220,000 a week, is seeking a contract extension with improved terms, aiming for parity with top earners like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho. Rashford’s basic salary is approximately £365,000, while Sancho and Casemiro are in the £300,000-a-week bracket. At 29, Fernandes sees his next contract as potentially the most lucrative of his career.
Additionally, Fernandes wants clarity on the club’s direction, especially with the uncertain future of Erik ten Hag, following Manchester United’s worst Premier League season. The potential managerial change could influence several players’ decisions about their futures, including Fernandes, who has emphasized the need for the club to match his ambition.
“I love to step out at Old Trafford more than anything in the world,” Fernandes shared with the Players’ Tribune. “I don’t want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream. I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club. If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals. That is the standard.”
Given their significant market value, both Rashford and Fernandes could be considered for sale if substantial offers come in, especially as Rashford has struggled to maintain top form over the past year.
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