Ruben Amorim has opened up about transfer speculation surrounding Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Despite United’s poor season in the Premier League, Fernandes has enjoyed a stellar campaign in front of goal, registering 37 goal contributions so far this term.
As a result, Fernandes is reportedly under consideration for a big-money switch to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal said to be circling around the midfielder. If he were to accept the mooted offer, it could see the 30-year-old pocket around £65million per year.
Understandably, Amorim was quick to push back on the links, saying: “I think it is easy to understand that [transfer speculation], not just because of the numbers but the way he plays. He is a top player and we need top players. He is a leader, the captain. It is natural that people want Bruno, but we want to keep him. He is one of the top players of the world.”
Fernandes has two years left on his deal at Old Trafford, meaning any potential suitors would have to table a no-doubt lucrative offer to tempt United into selling. But, their negotiating position could be weakened if they miss out on Champions League football next season.
Protecting their first-leg lead from last week’s clash with Athletic Club is the first step towards ensuring Amorim’s side are in the draw for next year’s Champions League. When quizzed on how he expects the second leg to go, the United boss replied: “It’s everything together. If you look at our team, we cannot say today what is going to happen.
“There are some teams in any league that can understand the game is going to be like this and could change a little bit. We have to face the game as one more game. I feel we have to score to go to the next round. That is how we are going to approach the game. We will have to suffer a little bit to go to the final, and we are ready to suffer.”
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