Lee Sharpe suggests reason for Man Utd selling Bruno Fernandes this summer

Lee Sharpe believes Manchester United will consider cashing in on Bruno Fernandes this summer – but only if they have lined up a ‘major’ signing to replace him.

Doubts over the United captain’s future at Old Trafford have begun to emerge with the midfielder urging the club to demonstrate they can to match his ambitions on the pitch.

Fernandes is pushing for a new contract that will put him among the top earners at the club. But United will reportedly consider realistic offers to sell him as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s hierarchy seek to raise transfer funds and reduce the wage bill.

Fernandes is widely considered to have been United’s best and most consistent player since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, awarded the captain’s armband two years ago. His qualities were again on show during a superb run of form towards the end of the 2023-24 season, culminating in the FA Cup victory over Manchester City.

While his leadership qualities and goals have been pivotal, former United star Sharpe believes there are still questions over Fernandes’ discipline with the ball and his body language which still ‘frustrates’ the former winger when he watches his old side in action.

Sharpe believes United will be determined to keep the 29-year-old at the club, but suggests that stance could change if they have a replacement in mind.

‘I think he’s obviously a major factor in the goals that they’ve scored and the creativity in the team, he leads by example in his work rate,’ Sharpe said, speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk around betting offers.

‘But sometimes that work rate can be a little bit ill-disciplined and can cause the team a little bit of damage at times because he’s not in the right position. I do think the gives the ball away a little bit cheaply in dangerous areas of the pitch at times, but there’s no question about his goalscoring and his ability to see a pass.

‘The pass for Mainoo in the cup final was absolutely unbelievable and not many players in the Premier League would have seen it and been able to play it.

‘He just frustrates me the way he waves his arms around and moans a lot, and it’s not a good look from a captain – not just for your teammates but for the fans as well. I think he needs to be a bit calmer.

‘The only way that they could possibly consider getting rid of him is if they got an absolutely major signing to replace him. I think without getting an ideal, world class replacement then he needs to stay. I think his creativity and goals alone are worth keeping him, if not for his work rate and captaincy abilities. Unless you get a world class replacement.’

Sharpe sends warning over Joao Neves transfer

United meanwhile are also eager to strengthen in deeper midfield positions this summer with a long-term replacement for Casemiro thought to be high up on their list of priorities. The Brazil international endured a disappointing second season at the club with Saudi Pro League sides lining up to sign him this summer.

Benfica star Joao Neves has emerged as a top target to replace him with reports in Portugal claiming United have already failed with an offer of £51million – with his release clause currently standing at a huge £105m.

United will need to raise transfer funds through player sales to pursue big-money signings like Neves this summer but Sharpe has warned the Portugal international still represents a very risky piece of business during a transfer window where United simply must get things right.

‘I think you have to be very cautious when players are coming from other leagues into the Premier League, it’s a difficult transition,’ Sharpe said.

‘We have seen that so many times. The Premier League is the fastest and most physical league with the amount of games you play and the physicality off every game, and the expectation of a United player is that they have to win every game. Mentally it’s pretty tiring as well.’

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