Darren Bent urges United to sell Bruno Fernandes for £80m this January

Former Premier League striker Darren Bent believes Manchester United should off‑load captain Bruno Fernandes in the January window, arguing the Portuguese midfielder’s impact has faded after a 4‑1 Champions League loss to Como that left United winless in seven games.

Bent's case for a January exit

Bent made his case after United suffered a 4‑1 defeat to Como in the Champions League in Italy, a result he described as a new low for the Red Devils. The loss left United winless in seven matches across all competitions and intensified scrutiny on interim head coach Michael Carrick. The poor start has also left Carrick’s future hanging in the balance. Man United have struggled to find a win in seven games.

Fernandes added fuel to the fire with an explosive interview after being substituted in the 67th minute. He blamed the coaching staff’s decision not to press man‑to‑man, saying it gave Como confidence and contributed to the heavy defeat.

Fernandes' past impact and current form

Bent reminded readers of Fernandes’ historic 2025/26 campaign, when he broke the Premier League record for most assists in a single season and produced a hat‑trick plus an assist against Ipswich. Yet since September, Getty images show he has not registered a goal involvement, with only a single contribution against Sabah in the Champions League.

The midfielder is out of contract next summer and has been linked with moves to Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Bent argued, “I think for someone like Bruno – January, if you can get a big chunk of dough from Saudi. You can get £80m from Saudi, of course you would.”

Drop for Bruno Fernandes during Champions League away trip to Italy

Bent noted that both Turkish clubs and Saudi teams have shown credible interest, making a January move financially attractive for United. A move would also allow United to reinvest in other areas of the squad.

He went on to say, “At some point, you’re going to have to move forward. And I’ve said it before, it’s going to hurt,” citing his own experience watching Arsenal’s transition.

Bent also questioned the midfielder’s trophy haul, noting that Fernandes’ 111 goals from 335 appearances and his record‑breaking assists have only produced two trophies – the 2023 EFL Cup and the 2024 FA Cup – since his £46.6m arrival in January 2020.

Carrick refuses to confirm whether Fernandes remains captain at United

If United can secure the £80m fee, Bent believes the club can move on and invest elsewhere, while Fernandes would embark on a new chapter, potentially in Saudi Arabia, where his contract situation and desire for a fresh start align. Such a deal would also free up a substantial wage bill.