Bruno Fernandes' Manchester United future is looking precarious amid interest from the Middle East and Ruben Amorim could soon find himself searching for success without his captain
News of Bruno Fernandes considering a Manchester United exit will come as a bitter blow to head coach Ruben Amorim as he attempts to transform the Red Devils' fortunes this summer. Fernandes is said to be seriously weighing up a move amid a mega-money offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Despite United's dismal season, finishing 15th in the Premier League, Fernandes once again was a standout player in the division. The Portuguese international scored 19 goals and provided 20 assists amidst a poor season for the club.
United's captain is subject to a potential £100million transfer fee, and a huge £200m contract. The player's agent met with the suitors earlier this week, and talks are reported to have run late into the night as Al Hilal set a tight deadline on a decision from Fernandes with a Club World Cup campaign looming..
United are said to be 'relaxed' regarding the situation with a £100m bid seeing a significant profit that they would be able to reinvest in the squad. But it would be no small feat to replace Fernandes' contributions in recent seasons.
And it would ensure Amorim's task is all the more difficult heading into his first pre-season with the club. The 40-year-old has already made it clear how important he believes Fernandes to be.
Amorim said on Tuesday that Fernandes "is really important for us and what we want to build for the team. We talk about this many times.
"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."
Fernandes however, appeared to accept that an exit could be on the cards earlier this month. The United star appeared to put the ball in the club's court over a move.
Speaking after the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, Fernandes said: "If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it's what it is.
"Football sometimes is like this. I've always said I will be here until the club says to me that it's time to go.
"I'm eager to do more, to be able to bring the club to the great days. The day that the club thinks that I'm too much or it's time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I've always said it and I keep my word in the same way."