Man United missed a £87m windfall by keeping Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United’s decision not to sell Bruno Fernandes this summer has drawn sharp criticism from Adrian Durham, who argues the Red Devils forfeited a potential £87 million windfall despite the Portuguese midfielder’s record‑breaking 21 Premier League assists last season in 2025/26. At 32, the Portuguese’s peak is considered behind him, making the fee unlikely to be matched. He adds United overspent on midfield while neglecting defence, a gap that could have been funded by a sale.

The midfielder’s form supports Durham’s urgency: he has scored four goals in four matches across all competitions, including a strike in Thursday’s 4‑0 Champions League victory over Sabah FK. Last season he set a new Premier League record with 21 assists, and he was named PFA Player of the Year for 2025/26. A Getty photograph captured his celebration after the Sabah goal.

Crook counters with market reality

Crook, however, counters that no genuine £87 million bid materialised. He recalls only speculative interest from Turkey, which he attributes to the player’s agent seeking a new contract rather than a serious transfer. Clubs are reluctant to pay top fees for a 32‑year‑old, especially when United’s contract runs until next summer. When United could have sold him, the lack of offers was evident.

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The contract situation adds complexity; Fernandes’ deal expires next summer, yet Manchester United have not signalled a new agreement. Fans remain vocal, with many still loving the Red Devils’ talisman, while teammate Marcus Rashford continues to earn more than him. Crook suggests Fernandes could approach director of football Jason Wilcox for a fresh deal.

Durham suggests possible replacements at the No.10 role, naming Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount as viable options. He argues that deploying any of them would mitigate the risk of relying on a player whose numbers are unlikely to return. The debate highlights United’s strategic crossroads between cashing in now or retaining a proven creator.