Bruno Fernandes has just sent a new Manchester United transfer message to Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Bruno Fernandes has failed to play in just 13 Manchester United matches since his arrival in January 2020 and none of those absences matches have been because of injury.

That could change today with Erik ten Hag revealing that his captain is a doubt for the FA Cup trip to Nottingham Forest as the club strives for their only chance of silverware this season.

Fernandes has only sat out two games this season, having missed the goalless draw at Liverpool due to suspension and staying on the bench for the League Cup win over Crystal Palace. His constant presence in the side has been invaluable to United.

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The Portugal star, who seemed to pick up an issue towards the end of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham, has always been averse to losing game time, previously noting that fitness is not always guaranteed the older a player gets.

Fernandes turns 30 this year and his longevity at United will naturally start to be debated. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been backed to offload Casemiro, 32, and Raphael Varane, 30, this summer with their stock value diminishing.

Tentative Saudi links have emerged for Fernandes, albeit there is no inkling that he would relinquish his status at Old Trafford for a switch to the Middle East. Ratcliffe would make sure that didn’t happen.

But he may need to start thinking about life after Fernandes in his long-term planning. United already have a trio of exciting line-up regulars in Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, but more future-proofing is required.

That includes in the central attacking role with limited alternate options in that area, currently. Christian