Manchester United have been told that they can afford to sell Bruno Fernandes despite his influential performances.
Since moving to Old Trafford from Sporting Clube de Portugal back in January 2020, Fernandes has played a crucial role in the United team.
So far, the Portuguese has made 317 appearances, scoring 105 goals across all competitions.
In the 25/26 season, Fernandes is hoping to lead the Red Devils back into the top four, having recorded seven goals and 14 assists in 27 matches.
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On Sunday, the 31-year-old scored from the spot during United's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, which took them to third in the Premier League table.
However, three-time Premier League champion Lee Sharpe has recently stated that United could afford to sell Fernandes in the summer.
The ex-United star claimed that selling Fernandes would allow the club to find his successor.
Sharpe said to GOAL, via BetBrain: "You can afford to lose anybody. There have been great players there and the club continues, it’s not all about one player.
"He would be a big loss to the team but selling Bruno would allow them to go into the market and buy a potential ‘new Bruno’. I don’t know if there are many about because he is a special player. It’s a tricky one."
He added: "If they do get top four, which is looking like they will do, it might motivate him to stay. I think the club will go out and strengthen and bring in some really strong, talented individuals. Then I think there is every chance he will want to stay.
"It’s just whether the club want to keep him at the age he’s at and the money they can still get for him, or whether they want to use that cash to get someone new in. I know the fans would love him to stay. He’s playing unbelievably well at the moment. It’s an interesting situation."
What has Bruno Fernandes said about leaving Man Utd?
Last summer, Fernandes was linked with a move to Saudi Professional League side Al Hilal, but ultimately opted to stay with United.
He admitted back in June: "The president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask about the possibility of me moving there. I had to wait a while to think about the future. As I've always said, I would be willing to do it if United thought it was best to move on.
"I spoke to the club, who said they weren't willing to sell me, only if I wanted to leave. I want to continue to be happy and do what I love most. I'm still very passionate about this sport. It's my way of seeing football and I'm happy with my decision."
Topics: Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes, Football
Marcus Chan