Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has made headlines by encouraging the club to accept a reported £100 million offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for team captain Bruno Fernandes.
According to reports, Al-Hilal is aggressively pursuing the 30-year-old midfielder, with discussions between the club and Fernandes’ representatives already underway.
While the United skipper has been a key figure during a challenging season, Scholes believes the club should seriously consider cashing in — suggesting the timing could be ideal for both parties.
In a recent appearance on The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes was direct in his opinion: “They are talking about £100m for him. Man United cannot say no to that.”
His comments have intensified ongoing debates within the United fanbase about whether parting ways with Fernandes now — while his market value remains high — might be the right move during a transitional period at Old Trafford.
There are significant financial reasons to consider such a deal.
Fernandes, who arrived at United for approximately £47 million in 2020, would deliver a massive profit if sold for £100 million.
This windfall could be reinvested into strengthening multiple positions within the squad.
With INEOS now helping guide United’s footballing strategy, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe pushing for a younger, more dynamic team, selling older high-value players like Fernandes aligns with the new long-term vision.
In addition, United is under pressure to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), making major sales necessary — especially with the futures of other players like Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, and Casemiro also up in the air.
However, moving on from Fernandes presents its own challenges.
Despite the team’s inconsistent performances, Fernandes remained United’s most reliable creative outlet in the 2023/24 season, registering 15 goals and 12 assists.
His leadership, mentality, and influence in the dressing room are difficult qualities to replace.
While Scholes believes Fernandes may no longer be the best fit under new manager Ruben Amorim — who prefers a more fluid and collective system — many supporters still see the Portuguese star as irreplaceable in terms of impact and consistency.
Al-Hilal, already boasting names like Neymar, Ruben Neves, and Aleksandar Mitrović, have the resources to complete the deal and are believed to be seriously interested.
Fernandes himself is reportedly open to considering the move, though he hasn’t made a final decision.
United, for their part, are not actively pushing him out but may be willing to accept the offer if the player signals his readiness to depart.
Should Fernandes exit, United would need to act fast in the market.
Potential replacements like João Neves, Désiré Doué, or Xavi Simons could be targeted to fill the creative void.
Additionally, new leadership options would be considered, with players like Lisandro Martínez or Kobbie Mainoo seen as possible candidates for captaincy roles.
Ultimately, Scholes’ comments have brought the conversation to the forefront: Is it time for United to turn the page — or would selling Bruno be a costly mistake in the club’s rebuild?
