Man Utd know how to block Bruno Fernandes exit as Jim Ratcliffe faces expensive dilemma
Sir Jim Ratcliffe faces an expensive dilemma as Man Utd battle to keep Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United may have to make Bruno Fernandes one of the club's top earners on a bumper new contract to block a summer exit, according to reports. Fernandes' future at Old Trafford is uncertain following a dismal season, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks set to be left with an expensive dilemma amid his cost-cutting quest.
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Ratcliffe has taken special measures to chop United's expenses since becoming co-owner with a 27.7 per cent stake in February.
The INEOS boss' control extends beyond football operations, and multiple measures have already been put in place to balance the books.
But on the pitch, United's new kingpin must navigate an array of problems in the first transfer window of his regime.
The club's cost-cutting is expected to leak onto the pitch, with an early emphasis put on offloading players in a ruthless clearout.
United are reportedly willing to listen to offers for almost all first-team players except starlets Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
It has sparked speculation about Fernandes, who, aged 29, is one of Europe's best midfielders but may not be playing in any European competition next season.
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According to the Daily Star, Fernandes has privately insisted that he needs to feel wanted if he's to remain at United amid interest from Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and the Saudi Pro League.
The Portuguese maestro has consistently been United's star player since joining from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 but isn't one of the club's top five earners.
Casemiro, Raphael Varane, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Mount all pocket a higher basic salary than his £240,000-a-week package.
He is under contract at Old Trafford until 2026, with the option of a further year, but would possess strong negotiating power due to his importance on the pitch.
The report adds that United will have to make him among the highest earners in the squad to block his departure, and talks are expected to take place at the end of the season.
Casemiro, Varane and Martial are all set to leave the Red Devils this summer, which would make Rashford the club's highest earner on the £300,000-a-week deal he signed last year.
Mount earns £250,000 per week. Fernandes would undoubtedly feel like he deserves a more handsome salary than his midfield partner, who has started just eight games since arriving from Chelsea.
Any resolution will likely be met before Euro 2024 begins in Germany next month, with Fernandes unsurprisingly keen to avoid a dark cloud of uncertainty looming over Portugal's campaign.