Man Utd eyes Goncalves with Fernandes sale funds amid £100m Al Hilal bid

Man Utd's post-Asia tour woes highlight urgent squad rebuild needs as £100m Al Hilal offer for captain Bruno Fernandes looms. The club considers using sale proceeds to pursue Sporting's Goncalves, despite his €80m release clause, signaling a pivotal transfer window ahead.

Sources:
Goal.comSkysports+1
Updated 46m ago
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Sources: Skysports
Manchester United is at a crossroads as it contemplates the sale of captain Bruno Fernandes to Saudi club Al Hilal for £100 million, a move that could provide crucial funds for rebuilding the squad.

The club faces mounting financial constraints and pressure to revamp after a disappointing overseas tour and poor recent performances. Fernandes, who has been pivotal to United's success, is reportedly being courted with a lucrative offer that nearly triples his current wages.

"Bruno Fernandes is yet to make a decision on his future with Al Hilal willing to pay Man Utd £100m for their captain and nearly treble his wages," a source said.

Despite the club's desire to retain Fernandes, manager Ruben Amorim acknowledges uncertainty:

"United and Amorim want to keep Fernandes. The United boss believes the midfielder wants to stay, though he could not guarantee he would."

The sale could trigger a new chapter for United, but it hinges on wise reinvestment. One target is Sporting CP's Goncalves, 26, who is seen as a potential replacement in the central attacking role.

"Goncalves, 26, is seen as a player who can fill the void left by Fernandes, with his propensity to fill the central attacking area, but his release clause is set at €80 million," the report noted.

Sporting may consider offers below the release clause, making a deal feasible if United can leverage funds from Fernandes' departure.

"Any funds raised from the United skipper's departure would help facilitate the move for Goncalves, but Sporting are reported to listen to any offers below the clause."

United's recent form without Fernandes has been poor, with six matches yielding five defeats and one draw since March 2022, underscoring his importance.

The club's next moves will be critical in shaping its future amid financial and competitive challenges.
Sources: Skysports
Manchester United is considering a £100 million bid from Al Hilal for captain Bruno Fernandes, whose sale could fund a move for Sporting CP's Goncalves, valued at €80 million. The club faces financial pressure and a need to rebuild after a disappointing season and overseas tour.
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The Headline

Man Utd's Fernandes sale dilemma and Goncalves target

The United boss believes the midfielder wants to stay, though he could not guarantee he would.
Ruben Amorim
Man Utd manager
Skysports
Key Facts
  • Man Utd faces growing financial constraints and plans to offload multiple big-name players in the upcoming transfer window to revamp the squad.Goal.com
  • Al Hilal has offered £100m for Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes, nearly tripling his current wages, creating a major transfer dilemma for the club.Skysports
  • Ruben Amorim and Man Utd want to keep Fernandes, believing the midfielder wants to stay, but his future remains uncertain.Skysports
  • Sporting's Goncalves, 26, is eyed as a potential replacement for Fernandes due to his ability to fill the central attacking role, but his €80 million release clause is a significant hurdle.1
  • Funds from Fernandes' sale could facilitate the signing of Goncalves, with Sporting reportedly open to offers below the €80 million release clause.1
  • Fernandes' sale could kick-start a new chapter for Man Utd, but this depends on the club spending the funds wisely, which remains a gamble given their poor recruitment record.Skysports
Key Stats at a Glance
Al Hilal's offer for Bruno Fernandes
£100m
Skysports
Goncalves' release clause
€80 million
1
Goncalves' age
26 years
1

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Background Context

Man Utd's troubled Asia tour and Fernandes' key role

Made a pointed Instagram post taking a subtle dig at the team’s chaotic and underwhelming overseas campaign, suggesting relief to put the tour behind him.
Alejandro Garnacho
Man Utd winger
Goal.com
Key Facts
  • Man Utd opened their Asia tour with a 1-0 defeat to ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur, facing boos from the Malaysian crowd.Goal.com
  • Man Utd secured a 3-1 win in their final tour match in Hong Kong, but concerns about the team's performance persisted.Goal.com
  • Alejandro Garnacho subtly expressed relief over the chaotic and underwhelming tour through a pointed Instagram post after the squad returned to England.Goal.com
  • Man Utd have not won a Premier League match without Bruno Fernandes since March 2022, recording five defeats and one draw in six matches without him.Skysports
Key Stats at a Glance
Man Utd's opening Asia tour match score
0-1
Goal.com
Man Utd's final Asia tour match score
3-1
Goal.com
Premier League matches without Fernandes since March 2022
6 matches
Skysports
Premier League defeats without Fernandes since March 2022
5 matches
Skysports
Premier League draws without Fernandes since March 2022
1 match
Skysports
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