Manchester United are desperate for Bruno Fernandes to stay at Old Trafford and the Portuguese playmaker faces a crunch decision on his future this summer.
Bruno Fernandes came close to leaving Manchester United last summer when a £100m Saudi offer arrived on the desks at Old Trafford.
Ultimately, Fernandes showed ultimate loyalty to United and stayed put, but Fernandes did lash out at United chiefs in an interview this season where he claimed he felt unwanted by the club hierarchy.
This season, that narrative has shifted. United are desperate to keep Fernandes and the plan is for Fernandes to lift the Premier League trophy by 2028 – the timeline set for Ineos’ ‘Project 150’.
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Man United want Bruno Fernandes decision before World Cup
Fernandes is targeting World Cup glory this summer with Portugal, and he is heading into the tournament in red-hot form as he chases down the Premier League assist record with United.
The World Cup begins in early June, and according to Manchester Evening News, United chiefs want Fernandes to make a decision on his future before the tournament.
However, the report claims that Fernandes would rather make a decision after the World Cup has ended.
United are concerned about the mammoth task of replacing Fernandes if he does leave, and a decision after the World Cup would give Ineos less time to prepare and plan.
There is a £57 million release clause in Fernandes’ contract available to clubs overseas, so ultimately, it will be his decision whether or not to leave if a suitable offer arrives.
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What Ineos are doing to convince Bruno Fernandes to stay
Fernandes’ motivation has never been financial, ever since his arrival at Old Trafford in 2020.
Instead, Fernandes has spoken of winning the Premier League or Champions League with United to truly cement his legacy at the club.
It is up to Ineos to convince Fernandes that it is still realistic now that he is 31 years old.
Harry Maguire predicted a ‘big’ summer window for United, and that will be part of Ineos’ plan to convince Fernandes to stay.
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Fernandes has green-lighted Sandro Tonali as a strong signing for United, and a big midfield overhaul could set up the Red Devils to take a charge at the title in the coming years.
A new contract could also be on the cards for Fernandes to emphasise his importance to the club and drown out any exit rumours.
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