Manchester United are reportedly braced for approaches for Bruno Fernandes from Al-Hilal despite Ruben Amorim‘s insistence that the captain is not for sale.
The Red Devils will take on West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday, and a defeat on the weekend could leave the club in 17th place by the end of matchweek 36.
While United’s domestic season has been poor, they could still qualify for the Champions League should they beat Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final on May 21.
Captain Fernandes has been key to the club’s continental success, with the Portuguese the team’s leading scorer in the competition (seven).
However, despite Amorim insisting that he is not for sale, The Mirror report that Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have not given up hope of signing the playmaker, with officials lining up a third meeting with Fernandes’s representatives.
How much of a blow would losing Fernandes be?
United have found it difficult to break opposition teams down in the final third having only found the back of the net 42 times in the Premier League this term.
Their return in front of goal makes them the division’s sixth worst offensive side, but while Fernandes’s team have struggled he has still managed to score eight goals and produce nine assists in the top flight.
The Portuguese leads the way in both categories amongst his teammates, and he also registered the most Premier League goal contributions at Old Trafford in 2023-24 (18).
Losing the captain could have devasting consequences for Amorim, who will want to ensure the attacker is at the heart of his rebuild.
Should United consider offers?
Fernandes will be 31 in September and there is an argument that the Red Devils should look to sell him while they can still attain a sizeable transfer fee.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spoken out about the team’s financial struggles, and selling the captain would help raise funds for the summer transfer window.
However, Fernandes has never relied on his pace to create chances or to score goals, and it would not be surprising if his style of play allowed him to excel into his thirties.
Until Amorim can be sure that the team have outgrown the need for the Portuguese, then perhaps it would be better to keep him at the club.
