It is time for Man Utd to SELL Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United appear to be making a mistake by keeping Bruno Fernandes this summer.

The Red Devils’ start to the season has been far from ideal, with Ruben Amorim’s side winless in their first two fixtures. A 1-0 home defeat against Arsenal was followed by an uninspired 1-1 draw away at Fulham.

This is precisely what Man Utd needed to avoid. After the club’s worst-ever season in the Premier League, and following a summer of lavish spending, Amorim had to get off to a flying start.

He hasn’t, though, and this is once again increasing the pressure on him. One thing is evident: his team lacks balance. Man Utd’s midfield is practically non-existent, making it easy for opponents to play through them.

This is a predictable outcome of fielding a top-heavy side, and it is something that they have sought to address in the market by looking for a dynamic midfielder. However, they have so far failed to bring anyone in as Brighton have made it clear that top target Carlos Baleba is not for sale.

Fernandes should be sacrificed

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a bit of an enigma for Man Utd as he clearly does not work in a midfield two, at least not with the current options at Amorim’s disposal. At the same time, he is the club’s best player.

Fernandes’ occupation of one of the midfield spots has seen game time for Kobbie Mainoo become extremely limited, and the youngster is now seriously considering a last-minute departure from his boyhood club.

Yet, there is an argument to be made that it should be Fernandes who ought to be moved on. His quality is undeniable, but the current configuration does not work, and it looks unlikely that Man Utd will be able to bring in a suitable upgrade on Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte this week.

Amid fresh links with Saudi Arabia, with interest this time emerging from Al-Ittihad after Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr attempted to sign him earlier this window, Man Utd should seriously consider moving Fernandes on.

It would be a gamble, of course, as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, despite signs of promise, have yet to start firing. However, they were signed for a reason, and Man Utd should back them to be able to cover Fernandes’ output between them.

The 30-year-old could fetch a hefty fee – which Man Utd desperately need after spending over €230 million – and this may be the final chance to get an inflated windfall for the Portugal international. After all, the Saudi bubble is at the mercy of political considerations and could pop at any moment.

Mainoo, despite defensive deficiencies, would offer Man Utd more balance than Fernandes, alleviating, to some degree, Man Utd’s biggest current problem and allowing them to keep their powder dry until January or next summer, when Brighton will be more willing to sell Baleba.

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