Bruno Fernandes feels he deserves pay parity with Marcus Rashford | OneFootball

Manchester United’s new co-owners INEOS are desperate to turn around the fortunes of the club under their stewardship following a disastrous spell under the incompetent Glazers ever since the great Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

United could miss out on European qualification altogether for next season and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking to fix things and that includes a large-scale clearout.

There have been reports that the new regime is open to selling most of the first-team squad and despite manager Erik ten Hag’s denial, rumours have continued to swirl over the futures of several high-profile stars.

INEOS’ dealings since their 27.7 percent stake was announced has not gone down well with quite a few experienced players “disgruntled” at the club’s attempts at trying to move them on.

INEOS handling of affairs has not won them fans

Raphael Varane has already announced that he is leaving the club in the summer while Casemiro is attracting plenty of interest from Saudi Arabia.

Skipper Bruno Fernandes, who has been by far the best signing in the post-Sir Alex era, is also starting to be linked with an exit which fans will not be happy to hear considering his importance to the team.

The Portuguese sat down with the hierarchy to understand their plans for the future and it emerged that a satisfactory conclusion was reached and the club captain was indeed staying put.

As per Manchester World, the midfield magician wants a new long-term deal considering his value to the team, which will put him in line with Marcus Rashford, who earned a new contract last season.

The Mancunian is paid £300,000 per week without bonuses while the Portugal international earns £240,000 per week (as per capology). The former Sporting Lisbon star still has two years left on his deal along with the option of an additional year.

The club is reluctant to increase wages at this point in time as they look to bring the wage situation at the club under control after years of mismanagement.

“ManchesterWorld understands Fernandes is among a number of senior players who are disgruntled by Ineos’ handling of the situation, and the general approach since Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s partial invest was confirmed in February.

“A lack of clear communication has frustrated several players, with a growing sense that experienced squad members are being pushed out.

Fernandes wants pay parity

“There has also been a feeling of uncertainty surrounding United’s next steps and, as club captain, Fernandes sought clarity in a meeting with senior executives last week. Those talks were seen as largely positive.

“But a new contract was not discussed during the in-person meeting. Sources have told ManchesterWorld that Fernandes would be interested in penning a new long-term deal at Old Trafford and feels his commitment, role as captain, and level of performance over several years, should be rewarded with a pay rise on similar terms to that of Marcus Rashford.”

Fernandes’ importance certainly merits a place among the top earners at the club and INEOS should try their level best to hold on to their talisman.

For now, the 29-year-old is expected to stay put and if he continues to impress, maybe there will be a change of heart. There is also the chance of a departure in 2025. A lot will depend on how the new era pans out.

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