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Manchestereveningnews 4mos ago
Bruno Fernandes 'thinking things over' as Man United captain considers future amid Saudi interest
Source:Manchestereveningnews

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes Bruno Fernandes will be considering a move away from the club this summer, as interest in his services intensifies.

Fernandes has dropped hints over his future in recent weeks, suggesting he could end his four-and-a-half-year stay at Old Trafford - if the club don't want to keep him. He's been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, as well as with Inter Milan and Bayern Munich, although Erik ten Hag has insisted United's preference is to keep their captain.

In an interview last week, the United playmaker said: "I feel that the club wants me to be a part of the future, so, as I said always, I don't want to be a player that the club doesn't want to have. If for some reason they don't want to have me, I will go, but if they want me I will stay."

Saha says United must give the Portuguese certain assurances over his future, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS seek to rebuild the playing squad after a poor season on the pitch.

Asked in a Betfred interview whether Fernandes is indispensable to United, Saha replied: "Yes. At this moment in time, he's a key player, he's the captain of the club and he provides the most chances in a game for the team. Without him, they couldn't create and they couldn't win."

The Frenchman said Fernandes may look for Champions League football next season, something United will be unable to offer.

If they win the FA Cup final on Sunday, United will be in the Europa League in 2024/25, but they face the prospect of no European football whatsoever if they lose to Manchester City at Wembley.

"If he's not clarifying his future, then he's obviously thinking things over and is doubtful about what the club has to offer," Saha added.

"He will want guarantees about what the club are planning going forward. He's been at the club for a while and has been targeted by the critics, despite being protected by Manchester United.

"He may believe that he doesn't get the recognition that he deserves, so the board needs to assess what can be done to get this club back to the top because Bruno is the only player that's been consistent over the last few years. I can understand if Bruno wants to be consistently playing in the Champions League and fighting for honours."

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