Manchester United legend Michael Owen has cautioned his former club that finding a suitable successor for Bruno Fernandes would be a monumental challenge for the Old Trafford hierarchy. While acknowledging that the Red Devils may consider offloading their captain to capitalize on a significant transfer fee, the former England international argues that the midfielder’s departure would leave a devastating void in the team’s on-field productivity.
Speculation surrounding the Portuguese international’s future continues to intensify following persistent interest from the Saudi Pro League. Although Fernandes rejected lucrative overtures to remain in Manchester last summer, his current contract situation has reignited exit rumors. With his deal set to expire in 2027, the upcoming summer window represents one of the final opportunities for United to secure a high-value sale for the 31-year-old playmaker.
Michael Owen believes the decision to sell involves a complex balance between financial pragmatism and sporting success. Speaking to Metro, the former striker highlighted the difficulty of replacing such a consistent performer who also commands substantial wages as a senior leader in the dressing room.
“It’s an interesting one, isn’t it, because of his age. He has the skills and the experience he brings, but it’s a business, and everyone has a price. If a lot of money is coming in, someone needs to make the decision about it. He’s obviously on big wages as well. But if he leaves, it will really hurt them. They will need to find someone else who is really good. It’s a tough decision because he’s so talented, and you can see why a big club like Manchester United might consider signing him if a lot of money is offered for someone his age. Trying to replace him would be almost impossible. So it’s really about keeping an eye on this situation, but it’s a bit of a tricky problem for everyone involved,” Owen stated.
Since arriving from Sporting CP in January 2020, Fernandes has established himself as the engine of the United attack. His remarkable statistical record includes 104 goals and 99 assists across 315 competitive appearances, making him one of the most prolific midfielders in the club’s modern history. As United navigates a transitional period under interim management, Owen’s analysis suggests that losing their primary creative outlet could derail the club’s long-term rebuilding efforts.
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