Man United made Bruno Fernandes transfer promise they now have to keep

Bruno Fernandes' future at Manchester United has become the subject of intense speculation in recent days following the conclusion of the 2024/25 Premier League season.

The Portuguese player has been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with his agent reportedly already holding talks over a potential £100million transfer. The Manchester Evening News understands that Fernandes is seriously considering leaving Old Trafford after five years at the club.

The news should not come as any real surprise to the club, given the 30-year-old’s response when he signed a contract extension in August last year. At the time, he is said to have made it clear to co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he expected the club to sign top-tier players capable of competing at the highest level.

"The club knew that I want to compete with the best teams. They knew that we needed to improve the team. And I think that we're doing that," Fernandes told the club's website after signing a new extension.

"I said to them, 'I don't need you to promise me that we're going to win the league, because no one can promise that. But at least that we will have a team to compete and be competitive throughout the season, to try to achieve silverware and to compete at the highest levels."

However, things haven't exactly gone to plan for United since Fernandes signed that extension, as the club endured their worst Premier League campaign since the 1973/74 season. In a potential show of ambition to Fernandes, United are working to finalise a £62.5 million deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.

The worry, though, will be that this move has come too late. After missing out on Champions League qualification following their 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa