- Bruno Fernandes will leave Man Utd one day
- There are many who will rue his departure
- Some might benefit from his Old Trafford exit
Bruno Fernandes isn’t leaving Manchester United this summer, let’s make that clear. Certainly, judging from reports which suggest the club intends to keep their captain and hopes to hand him a new contract.
That is undoubtedly the right decision given how important Fernandes is. He has put United on his back ever since arriving from Sporting CP in early 2020.
This season, the 31-year-old has been at his best, registering eight goals and 21 assists in the Premier League. He is starring under Michael Carrick, back in his preferred number 10 position.
Fernandes will one day leave Old Trafford, and it’s a day that many fans fear. With that said, there are some players who may well be waiting for the Red Devils skipper to depart.
READ: Latest Manchester United news and updates
FOLLOW: Read Man Utd on Facebook, Instagram and X
Winner: Rest of the Premier League
There has been a change in how Fernandes is perceived this season, with even rival fans now acknowledging him as one of the best players in the world. It’s hard to argue against that verdict, given his extraordinary displays in a United team that finished 15th last season.
The opposition will relish the day the Portuguese playmaker heads for the Old Trafford exit door. He is the heartbeat of this Red Devils side, and his departure would have repercussions that extend beyond the pitch.
Fernandes has been a leader, galvanising his teammates and ensuring they play at their best. The other top four rivals’ fanbases will likely be happy to see the back of the midfield maestro.
Loser: Matheus Cunha
Since arriving at United last summer, Matheus Cunha is the one player who has wowed fans in a similar fashion to Fernandes. The Brazilian attacker boasts a different profile but is captivating with the ball at his feet.
“I think to have unbelievable players around you… Bruno is the biggest example, of course. For me, he is the player of the year” – Cunha on Fernandes.
Cunha and Fernandes have linked up extremely well throughout the season and you can tell they are always playing on the same wavelength. The 26-year-old might be under pressure to step up and become the Reds’ talisman when the Portuguese ace departs.
Winner: Cole Palmer or Morgan Rogers
When Fernandes does leave United, the club will surely have to make a big-money signing to replace him. The top two contenders to fill the void left by the Old Trafford hero are Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
The English duo have been superb for their respective clubs, although Palmer has stumbled this season. He remains linked with the Reds due to his Manchester roots and his childhood support for the club.
Palmer is a world-class talent on his best day, and so too is Rogers. The Villa star, who won the Europa League this week, is a legitimate target this summer and could benefit from Fernandes’ exit in the long run as he could take up the number 10 role.
Loser: Michael Carrick
Fernandes has relished life under Carrick, who opted to put him back in his preferred number 10 position. He’s reaped the rewards with the Red Devils skipper posting four goals and 14 assists in 19 games.
Carrick has consistently hailed the Portugal international and made it clear just how important he is to his team. Without him, it could be a real issue for the English coach as he tries to take United back to its glory days.
Winner: Mason Mount
It feels as though Mason Mount is in the last chance saloon next season. That’s if United decide to keep their faith in him to come good amid a frustrating spell at Old Trafford.
Mount joined the club from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for £60m. His acquisition still puzzles many, given he’s a 10 who has no chance of displacing Fernandes.
The 27-year-old’s recurring injury issues have prevented him from getting a regular run of games under his belt. But also he finds himself playing in every position other than his preferred attacking midfield role because his captain is unmovable.
Loser: Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has spent his senior career in a midfield consisting of Fernandes and Casemiro for the most part. The English youngster is already bidding farewell to the latter at the end of the season.
A Fernandes exit in a year or two could have a big impact on Mainoo. He’s learning from one of the best playmakers in world football and has grown while regularly featuring just behind the FWA Player of the Year.
