Man Utd told to sell Bruno Fernandes for 'complete reset' but stick with Erik ten Hag
Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a move away from Manchester United this summer.
Former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna believes that Manchester United should consider selling captain Bruno Fernandes as it would allow them to take a major step towards a ‘major reset’.
The playmaker has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford this summer, with Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid said to be among his admirers – as well as Saudi Pro League sides.
Fernandes has not squashed speculation, with his focus primarily on guiding Portugal to glory in the Euros this summer. However, Sagna believes that United should be considering parting ways with their skipper.
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The ex-Manchester City star 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 need a complete reset if they are going to be successful in the future.
“There are some very talented young players at the club who Man United should build their team around. (Alejandro) Garnacho, (Kobbie) Mainoo and (Rasmus) Hojlund are wonderful prospects. Man 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. Man 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 United and make the difference. 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 United.
“Sometimes you need to give the next generation an opportunity to flourish, and if that means players like 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.”
Fernandes has come under criticism for his leadership qualities over the past few seasons, though he has always had the support of his manager Erik ten Hag, who Sagna believes should remain with the Red Devils.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is considering sacking the Dutchman this summer in favour of appointing his own manager to mark the start of his tenure, but Sagna believes that the ex-Ajax boss still has plenty to offer at the Theatre of Dreams.
He continued: “He finished the season on a high by winning a trophy and he knows the club after spending two years in the hot seat. When a club appoints a new manager, you go back to zero.
“Do Manchester United want to keep starting over and over again? A new managerial appointment doesn’t always work – we’ve seen that at the club in the past. Things won’t necessarily improve with the appointment of a new manager.”
