Michael Owen discusses United letting Bruno Fernandes leave this summer | OneFootball

Manchester United’s impressive recent run under interim head coach Michael Carrick has been helped in no small part by the form of club captain Bruno Fernandes.

The midfield maestro has been instrumental in elevating United into the top four of the Premier League with a handful of outstanding displays since his return from injury.

Fernandes’ fine form has underlined his importance to the team, and he certainly looks more comfortable in his role under Carrick, operating closer to the opposition’s goal than he did under Ruben Amorim.

Plaudits galore for United’s star man

The Portuguese star has long been United’s go-to man, but debate has arisen recently as to whether he is enjoying the best run of form of his career.

As reported by the Metro, former England international Michael Owen says he has been a longstanding admirer of Fernandes and claims his ability to play well in a struggling United side “shows his character” before praising his recent run and overall ability.

“His numbers have been incredible,” Owen said. “But now he’s playing in his rightful position, we’re seeing an upgrade again in his performances. It’s quite incredible how talented he is. I mean, he is seriously talented.”

“He’s got a great eye for pass, great vision, great delivery, great weight of pass, choice of pass to score himself. He’s just a seriously talented player, end of story,” he added.

However, the United man is now the wrong side of 30, and despite his excellent form, the club will surely have one eye on life without Fernandes, particularly if he wants another challenge before the end of his career.

Life after Bruno

It is well documented that Fernandes was in two minds about leaving the club in the summer, with a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia tempting him to call time on his spell in Manchester.

Yet, the club and their captain soldiered on together, but Owen believes the situation may rear its head again at the end of the season given Fernandes’ age and United’s need to raise funds for reinvestment into the squad.

“It’s a real tricky one because he is so good you can understand if massive money comes for somebody of that age, why it could be something that Manchester United would look at,” the former England man mused.

“If there’s going to be massive money that comes in, then it’s got to be a decision to be made. He’s obviously on big wages as well,” he said.

However, if United do decide to move Fernandes on, Owen had a words of warning, saying replacing one of the best players in the world will be no easy task.

“But if he goes, it’s going to hit them hard. They’ll have to replace him with somebody good,” he said.

“Trying to replace him would be nigh on impossible. So it’s watch this space, really, but it’s a bit of a conundrum for everybody involved.”

United fans around the world will be desperate to see Fernandes stay for next season and beyond, but Owen is correct in his assessment that the club will have a decision to make should a big offer land on their desk.

INEOS are facing a huge summer given the managerial situation and could well do without the decision on whether to move the best player at the club on as well.

In the meantime, however, Fernandes will remain imperative to United succeeding in their target of qualifying for next season’s Champions League, another factor that could play a part in his thought process this summer.

Featured image James Fearn via Getty Images

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