Man Utd: £250k-a-week star 'central to Ten Hag plans' at Old Trafford | OneFootball

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GiveMeSport

·8 December 2022

Man Utd: £250k-a-week star 'central to Ten Hag plans' at Old Trafford

Article image:Man Utd: £250k-a-week star 'central to Ten Hag plans' at Old Trafford

Manchester United have ‘no real concerns’ over Bruno Fernandes potentially leaving Old Trafford as Erik ten Hag ‘loves him’, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Having mutually agreed to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract last month, another of the Red Devils’ big-name stars has been linked with an exit.


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Man United transfer news – Bruno Fernandes

According to Portuguese media outlet Record, Real Madrid are monitoring Fernandes’ situation and could look to lure him away from the Premier League.

The report suggests the La Liga giants are long-term suitors of the creative midfielder, who has been on Manchester United’s books since completing a move worth up to £67.7million from Sporting close to three years ago.

But the Red Devils are in a strong negotiating position as Fernandes only penned a new long-term contract in April.

The 28-year-old’s agreement, which is worth £250,000-per-week, is due to run until the summer of 2026 but can be extended by a further 12 months.

Fernandes has scored three goals and registered as many assists in 20 appearances since the season got underway, underlining his importance to Manchester United.

What has Dean Jones said about Fernandes?

Jones understands that Manchester United are not fearful of Real Madrid’s interest ahead of the January transfer window opening for business.

The journalist is aware that Fernandes is a key part of ten Hag’s plans and will not be offloaded to boost their chances of pulling off a big-money deal of their own.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “After checking this out, there’s no real concerns at all from Manchester United’s end.

“He signed a new contract this year and ten Hag loves him. He’s central to everything he’s got planned.

“I don’t think there’s any way he’s going to be sold to help fund another big transfer.”

How did Fernandes perform during the World Cup group stage?

Portugal topped Group H – which included South Korea, Uruguay and Ghana – and Fernandes played a key role in his nation’s progression to the knockout phase.

That is emphasised by the gem’s Sofascore statistics, which show he found the back of the net every 90 minutes and recorded two assists.

The data also shows that Fernandes contributed defensively as he averaged one tackle, as many clearances and 0.5 interceptions per outing.

He was handed an average match rating of 8.36 by WhoScored, meaning he was Portugal’s top performer by some distance during the group stage.

There is no doubt that Fernandes will return to Old Trafford after making a lasting impression at the World Cup.

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