BRUNO FERNANDES COULD QUIT UNITED AS SHOCK PLAN EMERGES
Bruno Fernandes is open to leaving Man Utd for a top European league next summer, not Saudi Arabia. Reports suggest Bayern Munich are interested, and United would replace him with a central midfielder.
Manchester United's plan to replace Bruno Fernandes, who "will be open" to leaving the team next summer, is not what you may anticipate.
Although the 31-year-old Fernandes is still being linked to a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, he is not really interested in playing in the SPL.
A number of the PIF-supported squads are prepared to relocate to Fernandes at any time. But according to the BBC and the Daily Mail, Fernandes has other plans if he decides to leave the Red Devils.
He is considering a move to one of the major leagues in Europe, including La Liga, Serie A, or the Bundesliga. Although Fernandes has played for two Serie A teams in the past, neither Udinese nor Sampdoria has been very successful in Italy. At the moment, Sampdoria is not even in the first level.
Reporters Chris Wheeler and Nathan Salt were asked in a recent Mail Q&A if Fernandes' current campaign would be his final one wearing a United shirt.
As long as the offers are from reputable European teams rather than Saudi ones, the two stated that Fernandes "will be open" to moving on.
"After the season, Fernandes will evaluate his future and be open to relocating to one of Europe's other major leagues," the reporters retorted.
After six and a half years at United, he will turn 31 and prepare to participate in what is probably going to be his final World Cup for Portugal.
"United would undoubtedly want to pocket as much money as possible for a player whose contract expires in June 2027, even if the club has the option to extend the term by another 12 months." "He may seek a fresh challenge."
Possible Bayern Munich and the Man Utd replacement plan
If Fernandes decides to switch teams next summer, Transfer Insider Dean Jones has been told that Bayern Munich is a team to keep an eye on.
Jones also emphasised that £40 million is a reasonable transfer cost, which may seem modest for a player of Fernandes' calibre.
When considering the possibility, it is crucial to keep in mind that Fernandes will be one year away from free agency and will be approaching his 32nd birthday next summer.
The Mail reporters emphasised that a central midfielder, not a playmaker, would be the player Manchester United would recruit to replace Fernandes.
Both Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha currently fill the No. 10 position that Fernandes once held for United. Amad Diallo and Mason Mount are also good choices for those roles.
As a result, Manchester United will sign a central midfielder to replace one of their best forwards ever.
"You might say that United has already signed two, in Mbeumo and Cunha, in terms of a successor," the journalists continued.
"Fernandes is most suited as a No. 10 in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 lineup, but he has not been as productive this season after having to move deeper into midfield to make room for the two new additions.
"A central midfielder would actually be Fernandes' replacement because United also has Mason Mount and Amad Diallo to play at No. 10."
WHY MARCUS RASHFORD IS OFFICIALLY SNUBBING MICHAEL CARRICK’S MANCHESTER UNITED SOS RETURN PLEA
Marcus Rashford has no interest in a Manchester United return. Discover why he’s choosing a permanent £26m move to Barcelona instead.
Marcus Rashford isn’t looking back at Manchester United. After his loan to Barcelona, he’s made it pretty clear he wants to stay in Spain for good.
He landed at Barca last summer, a move that made sense after things soured for him at Old Trafford. Hansi Flick brought him in on a season-long loan, with a deal in place to buy him for €30 million (£26 million). Rashford wasted no time showing his worth—22 goal contributions in 32 games. He’s settled in fast, and the fans have noticed.
Earlier on, it sounded like Barcelona might try to haggle over the fee, maybe push for another loan or a cheaper deal. But now, according to Marca, that’s off the table. The club’s ready to pay what they agreed and make Rashford’s move permanent. Rashford wants it too. Everyone seems to be on the same page.
The Mirror reports Rashford has zero interest in heading back to Manchester. He wants his future sorted before England sets off for the 2026 World Cup in North America. No surprise there—he’s not looking to drag things out.
England’s first match is June 17 against Croatia, just two weeks after Barcelona’s season wraps up. Some talk suggested Michael Carrick, if he gets the United job permanently, could try to lure Rashford back. But honestly, Rashford’s mind is made up. He wants Spain, and that’s that.
Even if the Barcelona deal somehow falls through, Rashford would rather move elsewhere than wear United’s shirt again. If everything goes as planned, his transfer will be United’s first big move this summer.
He’s not the only one heading out. Casemiro’s already confirmed he’s leaving, and a few others might follow. United have juggled rumours about guys like Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, and Kobbie Mainoo, especially back in January. After Ruben Amorim left, Mainoo actually found himself in a stronger spot at United and has started every match since Carrick came back. Lately, there’s been a real push to get him into the England squad.
Meanwhile, United are fighting for a Champions League spot. If they make the top five, they’ll have more cash to play with this summer. Last year, they spent over £200 million beefing up the squad, even without European football.
If Rashford, Ugarte, and Zirkzee all leave, United will have even more flexibility to reshape the team. Top priorities? A central midfielder, a centre-forward, and a left winger before the 2026/27 season kicks off. This summer’s shaping up to be busy at Old Trafford.
COLE PALMER "OPEN" TO MANCHESTER UNITED SWITCH AMID HOMESICK RUMORS
Cole Palmer is reportedly open to a summer move to boyhood club Manchester United as claims of homesickness emerge at Chelsea.
Cole Palmer just can’t seem to escape transfer talk. Now, it’s Manchester United in the headlines, with rumours swirling that he’s homesick after spending two and a half years at Chelsea.
Apparently, Palmer wouldn’t mind a big summer move to United—his boyhood club—especially with fresh claims that he’s not exactly settled in London. He joined Chelsea from Manchester City in a £42.5 million deal and quickly became one of their main attacking threats. But now, the England international’s name keeps popping up in connection to a return up north.
The Sun says Palmer would be open if United came calling, since he grew up supporting them. But don’t expect him to head back to City while Pep Guardiola’s still the boss. That door’s basically closed.
It’s worth noting that Jason Wilcox, United’s director of football, knows Palmer well from his time at City’s academy. Wilcox is a big fan—hard not to be, after Palmer racked up 15 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.
Despite signing a new deal with Chelsea last year that runs until 2033, Palmer reportedly misses his hometown of Wythenshawe.
Injuries have made this season tough for him. He’s only managed 13 appearances in the 2025-26 campaign, and he missed Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday because of a thigh problem. Liam Rosenior, Chelsea’s new head coach, confirmed that before the match.
Rosenior’s already tried to put a lid on the transfer rumours, especially the talk about Palmer being homesick. “I’ve spoken to Cole plenty of times, and he seems really happy here,” Rosenior said last week. “He’s a huge part of our long-term plans.
“My job—and the club’s—is to help him consistently play at his best. He was frustrated after the Brentford game, for sure. We need to take care of him, and that’s why I kept him out of the last match.”