Man Utd believe Bruno Fernandes is ‘indispensable’ – but he could still be sold

Robin Bairner

21 Feb 2026 12:14 GMT
4 min read

Bruno Fernandes, Man Utd, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Manchester United will be tempted to sell Bruno Fernandes in the summer, despite believing that their captain is an “indispensable” figure at Old Trafford.

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Bruno is a figure whose future at Man Utd has been in question for a prolonged period. Even before he admitted that he could leave last summer amid interest from the Saudi Pro League, there had been speculation that a big offer could see the Portugal star depart.

And while Fernandes continues to be the beating heart of a United side that has been rejuvenated under the guidance of Michael Carrick, he could still be one of the players who is sacrificed in the summer, according to CaughtOffside.

Current ETV

Bruno Fernandes

AM, M, DM (C)

Man Utd

Bruno Fernandes

AM, M, DM (C)

Man Utd

ETV Range

€37.4M - €45.7M

Time catching up with Bruno

Man Utd and Bruno Fernandes are coming to a crossroads. The player, who is 31 years old, has a year left on his contract at Old Trafford.

This leaves the Red Devils with a problem: do they renew his deal, face the prospect of him leaving in 2027 for nothing or sell him in the summer?

“A lot of people inside Manchester United will describe Bruno Fernandes as ‘indispensable’, and there’s an element of truth to that,” one source explained. “However, they’re also realistic about his age, his high earnings, and the fact that his current contract expires in 2027.

“In an ideal world United would keep him, but the reality is that this is their last chance to make big money from selling him, and they have plans of their own in terms of new signings to reshape their midfield.”

© IMAGO - Bruno Fernandes: Still key under Michael Carrick at Man Utd

A €100m windfall for Man Utd?

United are said to be willing to accept deals in the region of €100m for Bruno, and they will be hoping that such an offer arrives from the Saudi Pro League.

A big push is expected from the Middle East this summer, with a 50-man shortlist of superstars outlined as targets.

In reality, this would be a huge price to pay for Bruno, whose Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) is only €41.5m. It is comparatively low due to his age and the comparatively short time left on his contract.

An offer of €100m would, therefore, be too good for Man Utd to refuse for a player they signed for €65m six years ago.

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