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.”
Should they look after their three-goal advantage, United will compete in their first Europa League final since 2021. Victory in the final would secure Champions League football for next season, even though they look set to finish in the bottom half of the table.
Granting Champions League football to the winners of the Europa League has been criticised, but Amorim remained coy when asked if there should be a rule change. He explained: “I just know the rules. If people want to change the rules, by all means. But these are the rules and the rules are that you win the Europa League, you go to the Champions League, so we will follow the rules. I don’t think a lot about it. I know that the Champions League is for the champions or the best team in the leagues. We are just following the rules.”
United take on Athletic for a spot in the Europa League final at 8pm on Thursday night.
