Manchester United are once again dominating the news cycle, and this time the spotlight is firmly on Bruno Fernandes.
After Monday night’s chaotic 4–4 draw with Bournemouth, attention quickly turned to the United captain following his passionate reaction after scoring a superb free-kick to level the match at 3–3.
The intensity of his celebration immediately sparked speculation, with many wondering whether it was directed at someone behind the scenes rather than the opposition.
Fresh insight has now emerged through an interview recorded several weeks earlier, which sheds light on the situation.
In the discussion, Fernandes revealed that certain figures within the club hierarchy were open to selling him during the previous transfer window, but ultimately lacked the resolve to push the decision through.
The 31-year-old midfielder has previously confirmed that he turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, yet he also suggested that his long-term future could lie elsewhere, with Italy or Spain appealing destinations later in his career.
Speaking to Canal11, Fernandes stated that he was made aware of United’s willingness to consider his departure last summer.
According to him, he addressed the issue directly with club directors, but felt they hesitated when it came to formalizing the move.
With just 18 months remaining on his current contract, Fernandes’ future is now expected to remain a constant topic of debate, placing added pressure on United to plan ahead.
The timing of these revelations is striking, given Fernandes’ recent resurgence under Ruben Amorim. Deployed in a two-man midfield, he has been in outstanding form, contributing to seven goals across his last four Premier League appearances.
This season, only Erling Haaland has registered more direct goal involvements in the league, with Fernandes already tallying 12, highlighting how influential he remains even when operating deeper on the pitch.
Fernandes was named club captain in 2023 after Erik ten Hag stripped Harry Maguire of the armband, and over the past five years he has been central to United’s attacking output and leadership structure.
Last season alone, he recorded an impressive 38 combined goals and assists.
If his time at Old Trafford is approaching its conclusion, the club faces the difficult task of replacing not only his creativity but also his authority within the squad.
This challenge helps explain United’s reported interest in Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guéhi.
Reports suggest United have already opened talks with Guéhi’s representatives and are prepared to offer him a contract beginning in 2026.
While a discounted January transfer cannot be ruled out, the more realistic scenario sees the 25-year-old leaving Palace on a free transfer next summer, with his camp marketing him as a potentially landmark free-agent signing.
United’s interest comes amid growing defensive concerns. Against Bournemouth, Amorim was forced to rely on a patched-together backline featuring teenagers Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven alongside Luke Shaw, a combination that struggled for stability.
With Maguire nearing the end of his contract and Lisandro Martínez only recently returning from a serious injury, strengthening at centre-back has become increasingly urgent.
Guéhi would arrive as an instant starter and a natural leader, potentially following Maguire’s path by quickly assuming the captaincy.
His credentials are strong: he captained Crystal Palace to an FA Cup victory over Manchester City last season and has earned widespread praise for his consistency and physical dominance.
Scouts highlight his ability to progress the ball from defence, while his aerial record—winning 71% of his duels this campaign—underscores his defensive reliability.
As senior figures like Maguire and Casemiro approach uncertain futures and Martínez continues to battle fitness issues, Guéhi’s leadership background, developed through England’s youth setup, makes him a compelling long-term option.
Regardless of whether Fernandes stays or departs, Guéhi appears well-suited to become a cornerstone—and possibly the face—of Manchester United’s next era.
