Sir Jim Ratcliffe told selling prized Man Utd asset 'wouldn't be a disaster'

06 June 2024 , 10:00

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Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe (Image: Getty Images)

Selling Bruno Fernandes “wouldn’t be a disaster” for Manchester United - because they have younger talent to rebuild around.

‌New Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany is eyeing the Old Trafford star man and playmaker this summer. And Bacary Sagna says United have three players to build a new era around - and Fernandes isn’t one of them.

‌Portugal midfielder Fernandes is pushing for a new contract at United, and seeking clarity over the club’s future plans, and it has been reported that realistic bids will be listened to. Fernandes has a deal until 2026, on £220k a week which is more than £100k a week less than the club’s top earners including Casemiro.

Sagna told CoinPoker: “If Manchester United were to sell Bruno Fernandes, I don’t think it would be a massive disaster. Fernandes is a great player, but I think Manchester United needs a complete reset if they are going to be successful in the future.

“There are some very talented young players at the club who Manchester United should build their team around. Garnacho, Mainoo and Højlund are wonderful prospects.

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“Manchester United’s leadership need to look to the future; these are the players that can form the spine of the team for the next ten years. Manchester United have a history of giving young talent an opportunity. That is in the DNA of the club.

“It’s never a disaster when a player moves on. There will always be players that come in and replace them. There are a lot of brilliant young players who could come into Manchester United and make the difference.‌

Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford (The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

“In France, a market that Jim Ratcliffe should know because of his involvement in Nice, there are several prospects who are ready to play for a big club like Manchester United. Kobbie Mainoo was given an opportunity to express himself and he grabbed it with both hands.

“I was pleased to see him breakthrough this season. I was pleased to see him given an opportunity over the more experienced Christian Eriksen. Sometimes you need to give the next generation an opportunity to flourish, and if that means players like Bruno Fernandes need to move on, then so be it.

‌“There are probably a number of other prospects in the academy that are ready to step into the first team, they just need an opportunity to show the fans what they can do.”

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Simon Bird