Bruno Fernandes and Man Utd team-mates 'frustrated' because of INEOS

Uncertainty reigns at Manchester United with captain Bruno Fernandes reportedly among a host of first-team players ‘disgruntled’ by the approach of INEOS. Sir Jim Ratcliffe finally completed his minority stake purchase into the club in February year, and immediately voiced his ambition to get United back competing at the elite end of European football.

But since coming on board he has offered little in the way of clarification of the club’s plans this summer. The vast majority of the squad are reportedly up for sale, while the future of club captain Fernando also appears up in the air after he was recently linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, which he addressed after Wednesday’s win over Newcastle.

“I will be here until I’ve said, the club needs to want me,” he told Sky Sports. “I feel the club wants me to be part of the future, so as I said, I don’t want to be a player the club doesn’t want to have. If for some reason they don’t want to have me, I will go.”

But according to ManchesterWorld, the Portuguese midfielder is among a number of senior stars to have grown frustrated at reports that Ratcliffe is prepared to listen to offers for the majority of the squad this year, which has led to plenty of uncertainty. And despite reportedly reiterating his commitment to the club in a meeting with executives this month, it is reported that the club are ‘reluctant’ to offer the 29-year-old  a lucrative new contract. 

His current deal runs until 2026, with the option of a further year. His weekly reported salary of £250,000 however, is considerably below the amount earned by forward Marcus Rashford, who penned a lucrative new deal last season.

Fernandes hasn’t been the only player whose had to deal with ambiguity over his future. Only this week it was confirmed that Raphael Varane would leave the club in the summer despite it being publicly known his contract expires in June, while Casemiro has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Ratcliffe’s tentative approach is perceived to be part of a long-term plan to streamline salaries at Old Trafford. But with Fernandes having been pivotal amid an erratic campaign for the Red Devils, tying him down long-term would be viewed as a statement of intent. 

Manager Erik ten Hag has regularly praised his captain since taking the decision to hand him the armband over Harry Maguire last summer. And after the 3-2 win over the Toon Army, the Dutchman was emphatic when pressed on whether the club wanted to keep their talisman.

“Absolutely the club wants to keep Bruno,” he said. “He gives always his best and is an example, even with injuries. He loves football and wants to win. That is how I would describe his character.”