Insider: Man United make Bruno Fernandes U-turn after Saudi latest

Manchester United are doing everything in their power to convince Bruno Fernandes to stay at Old Trafford beyond the end of the season.

This represents a U-turn on last summer’s stance, when the 31-year-old revealed the club had planned to accept an offer from the Saudi Pro League before he turned it down.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Fernandes remains a crucial part of their success and efforts are being made to keep him at the club.

The Portugal international has made 27 appearances this season, including in their 2-1 win against Crystal Palace where he picked up a goal and an assist last time out.

The midfielder’s contract at Old Trafford is set to run until 2027, attracting interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, while Bayern Munich are also interested in Fernandes.

Man United cannot afford to sell Bruno Fernandes

Brown previously told Football Insider that Man United must block offers for Fernandes and should not let him leave the club under any circumstances.

The captain remains a crucial part of any success they have had this season, and losing him in the summer would provide a huge blow to their future ambitions.

“Man United cannot afford to sell Bruno Fernandes,” Brown told Football Insider.

“I can’t believe they considered letting him go last summer, it was one of a number of ridiculous decisions the hierarchy made and they’re lucky he chose to stay.

“Against Palace, he showed again how important he is to the team with the penalty and then setting up Sesko’s goal, he dragged them out of a difficult position.

“How many times have we seen him do that? They really cannot let him go.

“From what I hear now, United are going to be doing everything they can to keep him at the club because any success they do have is going to rely on him.

“Since Carrick has come in, he’s become that focal point again in the final third and that’s playing a big part in his performances and the team’s results.

“I think it’s finally clicked for the board that Fernandes is so important to Man United, and any interest in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere should now be dismissed.”

Michael Carrick could play key role in Fernandes future

After Fernandes confessed the club had attempted to sell him last summer, speculation starting growing about whether he was happy at Old Trafford.

United’s struggles under Ruben Amorim had led to suggestions that the club captain could walk away in search of a new challenge elsewhere.

However, Football Insider revealed on 3 March that Fernandes is happy to stay at Man United if Michael Carrick is appointed as the next permanent manager.

Sources say the Portugal star would be keen to see Carrick’s strong start as manager rewarded by the board, and he is one of several players keen to continue their success.

Fernandes has played a key role in United’s resurgence under Carrick, which was highlighted once again against Crystal Palace, and is happy playing at Old Trafford.

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