Bruno Fernandes: Ineos prepared for huge sacrifice to ensure Man United captain stays | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes’ long-term Manchester United future remains a mystery

Uncertainty over Fernandes’ future

Claims have been circulating that Fernandes is growing increasingly frustrated with the state of play at United. Those frustrations, it is said, have left him seriously considering walking away in the summer.

Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and clubs from the Saudi Pro League are all keen to land him. This uncertainty over where Fernandes will play next season, coupled with the interest of determined suitors, has left INEOS sweating.

They simply cannot afford to lose one of their most influential players, a record-breaker who delivers game after game.

Fernandes’ brilliance continues

His latest masterclass came in the win over Arsenal, where he registered his third assist in as many Premier League matches, reaching yet another milestone.

The Portuguese magnifico has now become the 10th fastest player to reach 200 Premier League goal contributions: 103 goals and 97 assists.

There is no one quite like him; they simply do not make them like him anymore. Allowing him to leave would be nothing short of a transfer blunder.

With 10 assists already this season, he is also the only Premier League star to hit double figures in that category.

INEOS’ bold move to convince Fernandes to stay

Fortunately, United recognise his value. According to The Mirror, the club are even prepared to compromise on their strict wage structure to keep him.

While INEOS hope caretaker head coach Michael Carrick can steer the side back into the Champions League, they know that alone will not be enough to convince Fernandes.

The UK outlet reports: “Club chiefs will still have to offer Fernandes a deal in the region of £400,000-a-week, making him the highest-paid player.”

This is a significant shift for the 20-time English champions, who have been attempting to trim their wage bill and establish a more sustainable cap.

A gesture of intent

By putting such an offer on the table, INEOS are showing Fernandes exactly what he means to them.

Towards the end of last year, Fernandes hinted he felt the club was willing to let him go. This gesture should prove otherwise.

Whether he is swayed by United’s intent remains to be seen. Yet keeping him would be a masterstroke.

At 31, Fernandes is still a fabulous footballer, even Sir Jim Ratcliffe knows that well.

United are at their absolute best with him; he makes them tick. One day he will leave, but not now, not when the club is trying to rediscover its brilliance.

He is the player who can lead them back to their lost glory.

Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images

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