Manchester United have given no indication that they have changed their stance on being open to offers for the majority of their players amid interest in Bruno Fernandes.
United have seen Fernandes’ agent open talks with Bayern Munich following a disappointing season. The Red Devils could only finish eighth in the Premier League and ended up rock bottom of their Champions League group.
A major squad overhaul is expected in the upcoming summer transfer window, though United have limited funds due to Financial Fair Play rules. That means that sales of big-name players will almost certainly happen.
Given his high performance levels despite United’s dismal campaign, Fernandes will be one of those who is likely to attract attention. Bayern are known to hold an interest in the midfielder, though his contract still has another two years to run.
According to O Jogo, Fernandes’ agent, Miguel Pinho, has already opened talks with Bayern about a potential move. Barcelona are also monitoring his situation and could make a move of their own.
While a big fee will be needed for United to be tempted into a sale, they may not be against letting him go. According to the Daily Telegraph, United are prepared to listen to offers for the majority of their first-team squad.
In fact, only Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho are seen as being ‘off limits’ by chiefs at Old Trafford. New controlling co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has directed the club to adopt an ‘ultra-flexible’ approach to the window.
Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are the only players considered off-limits by United chiefs this summer.
Rivals teams believe that United are keeping a ‘very open mind’ about sales and will judge any offer on their own merits. The Red Devils need to raise money to boost what is expected to be a very modest transfer budget.
The young trio seen as off limits are players United hope to build a successful team around in the future. Otherwise, Red Devils chiefs are reluctant to narrow their options for sales elsewhere in the team.
Fernandes has already addressed his future amid rumours of a potential exit. The Portugal international insisted that he is keen to fight for trophies and play in the Champions League, which United will not compete in next season.
“I love to step out at Old Trafford more than anything in the world. I don’t want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream. I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club,” he told the Players’ Tribune.
“If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in the cup finals. That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve.”
