DEVASTATED Manchester United players begged Bruno Fernandes ‘don’t leave us’ after he was linked with a move to Saudi.
The Portuguese midfielder was criticised after Wednesday’s Europa League final defeat to Tottenham but is widely thought of as the one world-class talent in the squad.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are willing to pay around £100million for Fernandes, 30, and will offer him a whopping £700,000 a week to ditch Old Trafford for the Middle East.
With the club in a dire financial situation following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, an exit for top star Fernandes could be a way to bring in some much needed funds.
And after the disappointing final, Fernandes admitted cash-strapped United may look to sell him to raise money for a rebuild.
He said: “If the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in, it is what it is.”
Despite coming across as noble, those comments have sparked unease among his team-mates – who value his ability to drag them through games.
And a source confirmed several have urged the midfielder to stay, adding: “Bruno may be criticised but the players know what a talent he is.
“He can be demanding but they all respect him and sent him messages letting him know how valued he is.
“If he leaves, the dressing room would fall apart.”
Ruben Amorim also suggested that he could leave United if he can’t turn around the sinking ship, but has since told the squad that he intends to be in the dugout at the Theatre of Dreams next season.
Amorim, who has amassed less than a point per league game (0.92) since taking over at United, has come under heavy criticism for his work with the team so far but still has the faith of many fans.
And despite the manager’s future seemingly decided for now, there’s plenty still up in the air when it comes to the squad.
Al Hilal want an answer from Bruno Fernandes by next week over whether he fancies a money-spinning move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
While Kobbie Mainoo is one of many players being considered as a potential exit given his pure profit status with regard to PSR as an academy graduate.
Fellow Carrington star Alejandro Garnacho is another name looking likely to leave United, after it was revealed that Amorim has told him he needs to find a new club for next season.
Speaking after the Europa League heartbreak, Garnacho told Argentine press: “It’s hard for everyone.
“The season was s***, both now losing the final tonight, and in the league, where we didn’t beat anyone, that’s the truth.
“Up until the final, I’ve played every round, and today to play 20 minutes… I don’t know. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens after.”
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