Manchester United has struggled so far in the Premier League season. Everyone thought the Red Devils would surely contend for a top-three spot and fight their way into a Champions League or Europa League spot so they could partake in European football in 2025. However, dropping points, poor results, and lack of player form have caused Erik Ten Hag’s side to be out of contention for all major tournaments and trophies.
And to make matters even worse, one of their key players might decide to part ways with Manchester and leave the club for elsewhere next season.
Manchester United Captain Looking at Leaving the Club
Who gets your vote? 👀@HarryMaguire93, @B_Fernandes8 and @AGarnacho7 are in the running for our April Player of the Month award 💪🎖️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 30, 2024
One of the most important players of any soccer team is the central midfielder. This player dictates the game, keeps possession, plays key passes, threads the needle for the wingers, and provides key assists during dying minutes of a match.
For Manchester United, this playmaker is Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder joined Manchester United and made an instant impact, impressing players and pundits with his style of play, creativity, and passing ability.
But for the last two years, he has struggled to find his original form due to issues within the club, managerial changes, and new squad signings. The 29-year-old joined under Ole Solskjaer, an ex-Man United player, back in 2020 from his native club, Sporting CP. Bruno was almost 48 million pounds for the transfer but made a big enough impact on the field to justify the price tag.
Even with the initial positive reception, his poor attitude, lack of consistent form, and injury-prone playing have caused him to fall out of favor with the fans. And with Erik ten Hag making him captain, die-hard fans were even more confused as to Fernandes’ role in the team.
One thing that all pundits and fans can agree on is that he is still a great player. Even not playing at his best, he still has managed to turn in eleven assists and 15 goals in 45 appearances for Manchester United this season.
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Bruno Fernandes Questions His Future at Manchester United
Fernandes is under contract with the English club until 2026, but everyone in the footballing world questions whether he will stick out his contract, or whether he will be sold or loaned to another club before then. Fernandes has made comments and hints that his time playing under ten Hag at Old Trafford at Manchester United might be coming to an end sooner than anticipated.
‘I’m not thinking about other things…obviously it doesn’t just depend on me. A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. I’m not thinking too much about the future…this season hasn’t been at the level I’d hoped for.’
He doesn’t seem too pleased with the way things have gone this year, or the way he feels that management has treated him. If Fernandes doesn’t feel wanted at the club, there is a strong chance he will take this moment to leave and go elsewhere.
He has just a few more games left this year to prove he cares about the club. Manchester United faces off against Crystal Palace and Arsenal before their 2023-2024 season comes to an end. They currently sit in 6th place and could squeeze their way into the top five spots if Tottenham loses the remainder of their games. European football is still an option for Fernandes – if he decides to stay.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
