A former Sir Alex Ferguson assistant has had his say on Bruno Fernandes’ future – and it sounds like bad news for Manchester United fans

Bruno Fernandes won’t join another Premier League club – but would consider leaving Manchester United if Real Madrid or Barcelona came calling.

That’s according to Rene Meulensteen, who spent several years as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Old Trafford. The Dutch coach, 61, believes Fernandes, 31, is “very connected” and “very loyal” to United, but admits the midfielder could be tempted by a lucrative offer from overseas.

“I think there might be a case where another team, perhaps in Saudi Arabia, comes knocking with a significant amount of money because we all know the money situation at Manchester United,” Meulensteen told BetGoat.

“If a team like Real Madrid or maybe Barcelona would come, he might be tempted to go and say, ‘Listen, I want to experience that.’ But not for another Premier League team.”

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Fernandes’ Manchester United contract is set to expire at the end of next season and, although the club hold the option to extend it by a further 12 months, his advancing age has cast doubt over his long-term future at Old Trafford.

Last year, there was strong interest from clubs in the Saudi Pro League, with United reportedly prepared to part ways with their captain amid talk of a £100million offer. Since then, speculation has persisted that Fernandes is increasingly disillusioned with life at the club, particularly after reports suggested United are unwilling to meet the Portugal international’s wage demands.

It’s understood Fernandes is seeking £400,000 per week – £100,000 more than his current salary. Such a deal would make him the second-highest-paid player in the Premier League, behind only Erling Haaland of Manchester City.

“In terms of playing and what he wants, I think Bruno will sometimes be sitting there, absolutely fuming by himself, knowing that they could have had ten more points on the board. Because he is a winner,” Meulensteen continued.

“Don’t get me wrong, he is a winner. He doesn’t always maybe demonstrate it in the right way because he can come across a little bit passionate at times, waving his arms and all that, but that’s because of his desire and that he wants to win all the time.

“And I don’t think there is any other player than Bruno Fernandes who would want to have Manchester United challenging for the title and winning that title with Manchester United more than he does.

“He’s committed quite some years now to Manchester United and he is possibly their best player for the last six seasons. What he’s contributed, even in poor moments for United, he’s the one that constantly delivered.”

Fernandes joined United from Sporting CP in January 2020 for an initial £47m fee, rising to £67.6 million with add-ons. He made an immediate impact in English football, scoring 40 goals in his first 80 appearances for the Red Devils.

Across six seasons at Old Trafford, Fernandes has been a rare beacon of consistency in an otherwise turbulent period. While the club’s fortunes have fluctuated, the Portuguese midfielder has maintained impressively high standards, consistently delivering goals and influential performances.

In 2023, he was named club captain, succeeding Harry Maguire. To date, Fernandes has scored 104 goals in 315 appearances for United, firmly cementing his status as one of the club’s biggest Premier League icons.