A significant rift has reportedly emerged within the Manchester United dressing room, with several senior players now convinced that captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes has made up his mind to leave the club this summer.
Teammates Sense the End is Near for Fernandes
According to a report from The Sun, a growing number of United squad members feel the influential Portuguese midfielder has 'had enough' of the persistent instability at Old Trafford and is preparing to end his four-year stay. The sense is that Fernandes is 'tired of the turmoil' and will seek a new challenge after the 2026 World Cup, viewing this as his final campaign with the Red Devils.
Fernandes, who joined from Sporting CP in a £47 million deal in January 2020, has been United's standout performer since his arrival. However, his future has been a constant source of speculation, with clubs from the Saudi Pro League, notably Al-Hilal, showing serious interest in each of the last four transfer windows.
Rejected Riches and a Feeling of Being Let Down
It is understood that last summer, Al-Hilal was prepared to table a staggering £100 million transfer fee and offer wages up to £700,000 per week to secure his signature. Fernandes turned down the monumental offer, publicly stating his desire to continue competing at the highest level in European football.
Despite that loyalty, a source close to the squad revealed that teammates believe Fernandes feels let down by the club's new ownership structure and direction. The recent, unconvincing tenure and subsequent sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim after less than a year in charge has only reinforced the perception of a club stuck in a cycle of stagnation.
'Some of the squad think Bruno has had enough and, to be honest, they don't blame him,' the source told The Sun. 'He always gives 100 per cent and has been the club’s best player since he joined. But they think that he feels let down under the new ownership model and Amorim leaving has not helped.'
A Captain's Frustration and an Uncertain Future
Fernandes's frustrations surfaced publicly last month in a candid interview where he claimed the club 'wanted' to sell him in the previous transfer window. 'From the club I felt it was, "If you go it’s not so bad for us". It hurts me a bit,' he said, describing the feeling as more saddening than hurtful.
While his teammates would reportedly understand his decision to depart, they are said to be unanimous in not wanting him to leave. The source added: 'No one can doubt from the moment he signed for Manchester United, he has given his all. No one wants him to leave – but his team-mates would understand if he did.'
With his contract running until June 2027, United would command a substantial fee for their skipper. The club is currently under the interim management of Darren Fletcher, with a caretaker boss to be appointed until the end of the season, adding another layer of uncertainty to the ongoing saga at Old Trafford.
