Bruno Fernandes is contracted to Manchester United for another two years but with his calls to bolster the squad in the transfer market proving difficult, the captain's future is uncertain
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is reportedly considering leaving the club after previously calling for the hierarchy to buck up their ideas in the transfer market. The Portuguese star put pen to paper on a new deal with the Red Devils in August of last year.
However, the extension only materialised after Fernandes made it clear to United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he demanded the club recruit top-class players in order to compete with the very best.
Yet United's current pull in the market is now under threat, meaning the midfielder is believed to be weighing up the decision to move on, with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal said to be circling him.
United's loss in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur and their subsequent inability to offer European football next season means luring some of the game's biggest stars to Old Trafford may prove difficult. Mounting financial concerns will also provide a hurdle for Ruben Amorim this summer.
Speaking to the club's website upon signing his contract extension, Fernandes said: "The club knew that I want to compete with the best teams. They knew that we needed to improve the team. And I think that we’re doing that.
"I said to the, ‘I don’t need you to promise me that we’re going to win the league, because no one can promise that. But at least that we will have a team to compete and be competitive throughout the season, to try to achieve silverware and to compete at the highest levels.'"
Under former manager Erik ten Hag, United did hold their end of the deal last summer. Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Noussair Mazraoui were brought in for a combined fee believed to be in the region of £200million.
However, Amorim has long been aware funds will likely be tight this summer. In a move that could signal some ambition to Fernandes, it's understood that United are looking to wrap up a £62.5m deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
Regardless, Fernandes' agent, Miguel Pinho, is already believed to have held discussions with Al-Hilal about a stunning £100m transfer. United have also refused to rule out his possible sale after insisting that every member of their underperforming squad is up for sale.
Al-Hilal are eager to conclude a deal quickly so Fernandes, 30, can play for them in the Club World Cup in the United States next month. After United's Europa League final defeat, Fernandes cast doubt on his future by suggesting the club could "cash in" on him.
United signed Fernandes from Sporting CP in January 2020 for a fee rising to £67.7million. He was United's top scorer in 2024/25 with 19 goals and he retained the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award - an accolade he has won in four out of his six seasons at the club.
United's head coach also underlined the player's significance this week. "[Fernandes] is really important for us and what we want to build for the team. We talk about this many times," Amorim said.
"You can see by his performances. You can see by his leadership. You can see the passion he has for the game. In difficult moments, Bruno is the guy who takes responsibility. He should do because he is the captain."