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Cunha impact, £100m call, Amorim transfer plan - Man United's Bruno Fernandes dilemma decided
@Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
With star player Bruno Fernandes said to be taking an offer to sign for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal into serious consideration, Manchester United could be faced with their biggest decision of the summer.
The Manchester Evening News understands that the club captain's agent, Miguel Pinho, has held discussions with representatives from the Gulf state. Al-Hilal are keen to recruit Fernandes in time for next month's FIFA Club World Cup and his potential price tag has been mooted at around £100million.
United, as with all players on their books this summer, have refused to rule out that possibility.
Fernandes has arguably been Old Trafford's greatest servant throughout a forgettable era. Ever since signing from Sporting CP in January 2020 for £47m, the midfielder has made 290 appearances, scoring 98 goals and assisting 87.
He was appointed captain in 2023, winning one of his two major trophies for United wearing the armband.
It's beyond any question that his contributions have made him a fan favourite and at a time there has been very little to celebrate.
With his contract through to 2027 - and the option of a further year - selling Fernandes to Al-Hilal is very much a decision between sporting and financial value. Here, the MEN Sport writers run the rule over which way this saga should go;
James Quinlan
United could quite clearly do with the money. Getting £100million for a 30-year-old, that is the kind of offer that requires no second thought at all.
But that's under normal circumstances. With 15 goals and 13 assists, no United player has contributed more in the time Ruben Amorim has been in charge.
His role extends beyond that of a talisman, as he's a leader and a focal point for supporters to rally behind in the dark times at Old Trafford.
For now, they can't risk losing their best player. I also don't trust them to replace him properly. Maybe in a year's time, if conditions are more stable and a similar offer were to be made, then it should be considered.
Jack Flintham
After any other season, I would have backed United to sell Fernandes. An ageing player going for £100million, that would be a brilliant deal.
However, who would United be able to lure to the club this summer after such a disastrous season, especially with Fernandes gone. He's the only glimmer of sunshine left at the club.
If he goes, United look even less appealing. The thing with the Saudi Pro League clubs, like Al-Hilal, they are always looking for big name players to join them.
Yes, they might not get the same money next year but, if United put their foot down now, have a better season next year - with a top-half finish and win a domestic cup - they would be in a much better position to sell. Right now, though, I would be saying thanks but no thanks, we will find our funds for Amorim's rebuild from elsewhere.
Matthew Abbott
Any club turning down £100million for a player who's seriously considering leaving and will soon turn 31 is hard to imagine. United, more so than most, because of their preparedness to sell any player this summer.
Making a £30million-plus profit on what they paid for Fernandes five-and-a-half years ago also appeals amid what would be a welcome boost to their compliance with Premier League profitability and sustainability rules (PSRs). In the context of missing out on Liam Delap, and the impending signing of Matheus Cunha, there's an argument that the latter can help replace the playmaking they would lose from Fernandes leaving.
Having those funds to spend would also make signing the striker they want this summer more viable, rather than being left with whichever option they can afford. Cunha and Viktor Gyokeres, maybe, coming in for Fernandes, will very much suit Amorim better, too.
Isaac Seelochan
It would be madness for United to sell Fernandes after the season they've had. Imagine where they would have been without him? It's not a stretch to suggest they could have been looking over their shoulders at the bottom three - and with that relegation!
Selling him in a year's time, when he has just a year left on his contract, would make more sense. I'm sure if United remain a mess on and off the pitch, that decision is likely to be a lot easier for the player, as well.
For now, though - with so much else to do this summer - the last thing they need is to sell their best player. If he wants to leave, though, United will just have to accept that and hope someone like Cunha will be able to fill that void.
Kieran Horn
Fernandes has been the one constant in an otherwise disastrous season for United and yet I think they should accept the £100million offer from Al-Hilal.
There's no denying that United losing their captain and best player would be a major blow but, even if he stays, a significant rebuild is needed and completing that with more money may only be a positive thing. Splashing out the funds gained in the correct way is another matter entirely, however.
United's recruitment over the last few years has not exactly been good, and putting such a huge transfer budget into the wrong hands could be dangerous especially with Antony, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Jadon Sancho expected to depart permanently.
Even without selling Fernandes, that should be £100million raised right there, but over half is going on Cunha and, therefore, if United want to bring in a new core of players, Fernandes may have to go.
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