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Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Al-Nassr to go all out and sign Bruno Fernandes, with the Saudi Pro League club prepared to spend ‘whatever it takes’ to land the Manchester United’s captain.
Fernandes, who took over the armband from Harry Maguire last summer, has had his second-best second in front of goal for United after finding the net 15 times in 45 appearances, while also registering nine assists.
But the 29-year-old has faced criticism from some quarters over his performances and captaincy credentials, with the Red Devils enduring an immensely disappointing season both domestically and in Europe.
Last month, Fernandes sparked fears that he could be seeking an escape route out of Old Trafford as he suggested he may consider the possibility of ‘not continuing in the Premier League’ once Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign concludes in the summer.
However, Erik ten Hag insisted Fernandes’ comments were ‘taken out of context’ and remains confident the attacking midfielder will still be a United player come the start of next season.
Teams in Saudi Arabia are known to be monitoring the situation, with Al-Nassr believed to be the most likely destination, and Ronaldo has told the club to test United’s resolve for his fellow countryman in the summer transfer window, according to The Daily Mirror.
Ronaldo ended his second spell with United to join Al-Nassr in January 2023 and the legendary 39-year-old forward has gone on to score 62 goals in 66 games for the uber-rich Riyadh-based outfit.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner brings home a weekly wage of around £3.3million in the Saudi Arabian capital, making him the highest paid player in the history of the game.
Though Fernandes is unlikely to be offered wages in that vicinity, United will no doubt be sweating over their skipper’s head being turned given Al-Nassr’s extraordinary financial might, which has also convinced the likes of Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte and Marcelo Brozovic to ditch European football in recent times.
The report claims Fernandes has sought assurances from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS over their long-term vision and United are said to be relaxed about the situation.
Fernandes, who swapped Sporting for United in a £68m move back in 2020, still has two years remaining on his current contract at the Theatre of Dreams.
The Portugal international has missed United’s last two matches against Crystal Palace and Arsenal – which both ended in defeat – and there are hopes he will return from injury to face Newcastle this evening.
Ten Hag may, though, want to wrap his captain up on cotton wool, with the club’s FA Cup final clash against holders Manchester City just ten days away.
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