Bruno Fernandes Not in United’s Long Term Plans
Rumors about Bruno Fernandes and his long term future at Manchester United are yet again beginning to fester. Despite the summer transfer window now being closed, speculation about the United captain is on the rise, and for good reason.
Reports throughout the summer claimed that Bruno did turn down several advances from the Saudi Pro League. However, a handful of media outlets are now claiming that he didn’t actually turn the offers down. Rather, Bruno, United, the Saudi League and the MLS have entered a gentleman’s agreement to table talks until after the World Cup.
The sad truth is that Bruno just turned 31. By his own standards, his influence on the pitch has dipped significantly. Meanwhile, he has become a defensive liability as Ruben Amorim persists with Fernandes in the number 8 roll.
I also agree with the widely circulating opinion that Fernandes is not a great captain. He is simply the best option United have. Which wouldn’t be a problem had United kept David DeGea, but why digress.
There is no denying that Fernandes has been an incredible servant to the club. One deserving of legendary status. Yet, despite being United’s best player, a worthy captain he is not.
Regardless of opinion, nothing last forever, and it seems that the powers that be at Old Trafford are planning for life after Bruno Fernandes.
Does Bruno Still Fit at Manchester United?
The stats would suggest that Bruno is still exceedingly effective for United. Considering how terrible last season was, Fernandes still managed 17 goals and 16 assists. He led the league in chance creation, progressive passing, xAG, passes attempted, and shot creating actions. The United captain was also the club’s leading goal scorer and assist provider.
To say his performances last season saved United from relegation would be a huge understatement. Losing a player of his calibre would be catastrophic for any club…Unless…It was well planned…
Contrary to his stats, there is a valid argument that Bruno doesn’t fit Amorim’s system. Fernandes is a number 10, used to playing in a system where he has reliable defensive cover. But, Amorim plays Fernandes strictly as a number 8 in a hybrid 3-4-3 formation. This type of system requires the number 6 and 8 midfielders to be extremely dynamic and aggressive. They are also required to play both sides of the ball.
Bruno is neither dynamic, nor does he play both sides of the ball very well.
Ruben Amorim’s tactics also leave only a single midfielder to cover him when Bruno’s natural instincts force him to venture further upfield. Were that midfielder of the ilk of Declan Rice or Rodri then Bruno wouldn’t be a problem. Unfortunately, Casemiro and Ugarte are currently nowhere near the level of Rice and Rodri.
This leaves Amorim and Manchester United with the issue of imbalance in midfield as long as Bruno plays.
Bruno’s Creativity is his Handicap
Bruno Fernandes is lauded as one of the most creative players in the game. So far, that creativity has guided United to two trophies and five cup finals amidst the toughest five year stretch the club has seen in decades. In that time however, he has played in a system where he was always asked to be the tip of the sword.
His penchant for attacking play and creativity were vital in unlocking opposition defenses. However, that kind of creativity requires a facilitating environment. One that allows the player to express themselves freely. That freedom and positioning are not apart of Fernandes’ job description under Ruben Amorim.
The current system leaves Bruno exposed, as much as Bruno exposes the system. Amorim’s tactics require a lot of positional discipline, the ability to play well off the ball and the ability to defend and press from all positions when out of possession.
However, Bruno’s natural instincts to attack and push forward often make him a liability. They also expose the weaknesses of Casemiro and Ugarte who are habitually unable to cover enough ground to play their game and fill the hole that Bruno leaves.
Again, if United had an elite number 6, Bruno would not be a liability. But at this point it seems more likely that United would rather ditch all three of Bruno, Ugarte and Casemiro and start fresh rather than recruit players specifically to complement Bruno.
Manchester United’s Recent Recruitment
There is another argument circulating that further suggests Bruno Fernandes is not in United’s long term plans. Most people agree that Bruno is a number 10. However, under Amorim last season, Mount, Zirkzee, Mainoo, Amad and even Garnacho and Eriksen were preferred as the two 10’s.
Furthermore, this team is crying out for an elite striker, a new starting keeper and a world class number 6. Yet, this summer United chose to spend big on two Premier League ready number 10’s in Mbuemo and Cunha. Even though Mount, Zirkzee, Fernandes, Amad and Mainoo are all still in the squad.
It is a bit suspicious. Why stack a team with so many attacking midfielders? Especially if the intent was to eventually move Bruno back to his favored and most effective position? The purchase of Mbeumo and Cunha are a clear indication that Bruno will continue to be sacrificed as a number 8.
This might be pure speculation. However, I am inclined to ask, why would Bruno want to stay at United when he is destined to spend the last few good years he has left at the top of his game playing out of position for a team likely to not finish higher than mid table? In the modern era, it seems highly unlikely that a player of Bruno’s skills and quality would be satisfied making such a sacrifice at the back end of their career.
Bruno Fernandes is a Terrible Captain
It deeply pains me to trash talk a Manchester United captain. But, my love for club and captain only make the truth that much harder to swallow, not any less true. As any great player does, Bruno has his moments as a leader, but he lacks consistency when exercising those qualities.
Fernandes is constantly pointing the finger at everyone other than himself on the pitch. He shouts incessantly at his own players. Rarely does he lead by example. He lacks the humility to own his mistakes. Too often, he goes missing in big matches. Meanwhile, the only thing more reliable than his fitness is his temper.
Rio Ferdinand summed it up well after the draw against Fulham. The tying goal for Fulham was Bruno’s fault. He allowed Emile Smith-Rowe to run right past him into open space five yards out from goal.
The former United and England captain pointed out that in his time as a United player, it didn’t matter if you were the captain or the King of England. Everyone was held accountable on and off the pitch.
After the Smith-Rowe goal no one so much as said a word to Bruno. In-fact, most of the team stood bewildered while Fernandes berated Diogo Dalot for making the mistake which led to the cross that led to the goal. Meanwhile, Amorim sat on the bench with his head cradled in his hands.
Ferdinand’s point was that Bruno’s actions post goal and his poor defending were not becoming of a United captain. He also pointed out that the lack of reaction from the players and manager towards Bruno is a sign of both their waning respect in the United captain as well as their lack of team unity.
Fernandes is on Borrowed Time
For now, most of my ramblings in this article are not more than speculation. But after thirty years of being a Manchester United fan, I believe the situation Bruno Fernandes finds himself in at this moment is down to one thing, and one thing only…
The World Cup 2026…
Less than a year from now our Portuguese magnifico will be teaming up with his compatriots for what looks to be their best shot at a World Cup in the last 20 years. With Cristiano Ronaldo’s roll next summer in question, Bruno finds himself in a position to lead his country to glory.
Were it not a World Cup year, I am convinced that both United and Bruno would have cashed in on one of the highly lucrative summer offers from Saudi Arabia.
The idea is that Bruno takes advantage of this season to get himself ready for the World Cup by staying with Manchester United. In the meantime, United don’t have to replace a world class player. A task that would be severely restricted by PSR. Not to mention, the market is fairly devoid of generational midfielders at the moment.
Meanwhile, Bruno gets to run down an additional year of his contract, lowering his market value. A lower market value means any team wanting to pursue his signing would pay a cheaper transfer fee. It also means they could offer him a more attractive wage package as a result of saving money on said fee.
The only party that this plan doesn’t work out for perfectly is Manchester United. The Red Devils are being held hostage by PSR issues and will be forced to sell Bruno for a sum presumably less than the $100 million Al Hilal and Al Nassr were offering earlier in the window.
Bruno Fernandes to have a Swan Song Season at Old Trafford
Bruno’s contract is up in 2027. Meaning, regardless of my muppet take, next summer is the last opportunity United have to cash in on our captain. There is an option to extend his contract by one year for the club. However, it seems highly unlikely they will exercise it.
Triggering his one year extension clause directly violates the clubs new transfer policy. Fernandes turns 34 in 2028. Additionally, his wage demands are likely to be prohibitive considering the offers on the table from the RSL and MLS. Given Bruno’s contract situation, as well as all of the other little signs and rumors percolating, it appears the writing is on the wall.
The surprise shouldn’t be that this is likely to be the last season as a Red Devil for Bruno Fernandes. It should be how pragmatic all the parties involved are in handling this situation. United, Fernandes and all interested clubs appear happy to wait until next summer out of respect for his roll with his national team and the impending World Cup.
This season will be Bruno Fernandes’ swan song season at Old Trafford. It is only too bad that United dont look like they will be able to give him a proper send off by winning a trophy.
I don’t like the idea of Bruno leaving Manchester United. It also makes me uneasy that there are no romors or reports about who United will target as a replacement. But there is a time for everything, and now may be the time for us embrace this last season with our fiery Portuguese captain, as we prepare to say goodbye.
Glory Glory, Man United!
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