Saudi clubs set to return for Man United star in January – Report | OneFootball

Bruno Fernandes Transfer Battle Brewing Again

Manchester United’s summer stance on Bruno Fernandes was designed to send a message, rejecting a £100million bid from Al-Hilal. Yet three months later, that line looks far less secure. Fresh overtures from Saudi Arabia are expected in January and this time, the situation feels distinctly more fragile.

Growing Temptation from Saudi Arabia

Manchester Evening News reported that “Saudi club Al-Hilal tabled a £100million offer for Fernandes in the summer”, with the Portugal international openly willing to move “if United decided the time was right to cash in on him.” Even more enticing is the financial scale of any renewed proposal. Offers of “£700,000-a-week, tax-free – more than double his current salary” are expected. A 31-year-old player, unsettled and underused in his preferred role, may find that hard to refuse.

One club source is believed to have remarked, “There is only so long you can ask loyalty of a player who feels he is being misused.”

Tactical Mismanagement and Mounting Frustration

The biggest issue is not the bid, it is Bruno’s role. MEN confirmed that “Amorim continues to persist with his controversial decision to play Fernandes in a deeper midfield role.” The captain’s trademark edge has dulled. Creativity restricted, his influence diluted. As described, “Fernandes has cut a frustrated figure so far this season.”

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United’s position is equally worrying. Seven points from 18, 14th in the table and an EFL Cup exit to Grimsby. This is not a backdrop that empowers a manager in negotiations with his captain.

Strategic Dilemma for United

Allowing a frustrated, declining-asset version of Fernandes to remain could cause more harm than cashing in during peak value. Yet selling the club’s talisman mid-season while already floundering would spark fury. There is no middle ground here. Either United reshape themselves around Bruno, or prepare for life without him.

“If they still see me as central to the future, they need to show it,” an unnamed dressing-room voice was said to claim on Bruno’s behalf.

Our View – EPL Index

From a Manchester United fan perspective, it feels like déjà vu. Another club legend being worn down by confusion rather than competition. Bruno Fernandes has never been universally adored, but nobody can deny his work-rate or will to win. If he leaves not because he wants to, but because the club mishandled him tactically, it would be a damning reflection on the decision-makers.

Ruben Amorim might claim he is trying to evolve Bruno’s game, but this is not Sporting Lisbon and it is not 2021. A deep-lying playmaker role takes away everything supporters fell in love with. He should be arriving in the box, not chasing runners into it.

If United sell him for £100m-plus, fans will appreciate the fee, but only if it is reinvested properly. That is where belief falters. Recent transfer windows offer little confidence. Worse still, there is no obvious successor in the squad. Take Bruno out and you remove not only creativity, but leadership and spirit.

If United want to show ambition, keep him, restore him to his proper role and build around him. If they sell, they must finally prove they can replace quality with quality rather than repeat history.