Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has sparked discussion by urging the club to accept a reported £100 million offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for captain Bruno Fernandes.
Al-Hilal are said to be making a strong push for the 30-year-old midfielder, with talks already underway between the Saudi club and Fernandes’ representatives.
While Fernandes has remained a standout performer during a difficult season, Scholes believes now could be the right time for United to cash in.
Appearing on The Overlap Fan Debate, he stated plainly: “They are talking about £100m for him. Man United cannot say no to that.”
His remarks have fueled debate among fans about whether selling Fernandes — while his market value is at its peak — would be a wise move during this transitional phase at Old Trafford.
Financially, the case is strong. Having signed Fernandes for around £47 million in 2020, United would see a major return on investment with a £100 million sale — funds that could be reinvested across multiple areas of the squad.
With INEOS now influencing the club’s long-term football strategy and Sir Jim Ratcliffe advocating for a younger, more dynamic team, offloading an older, high-value asset like Fernandes fits the evolving vision.
Additionally, pressure from the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) means United may need to generate funds through sales, especially as the futures of Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, and Casemiro remain uncertain.
Still, losing Fernandes wouldn’t be without significant consequences. Despite the team’s overall inconsistency, he was United’s most dependable creative force in 2023/24, recording 15 goals and 12 assists.
His leadership and presence in the dressing room would be difficult to replace.
While Scholes questions whether Fernandes fits into new manager Ruben Amorim’s more fluid, collective playing style, many fans still view the Portuguese playmaker as indispensable due to his consistent performances and influence.
Al-Hilal — already home to stars like Neymar, Ruben Neves, and Aleksandar Mitrović — are financially equipped to make the transfer happen and are believed to be very serious about signing Fernandes.
Though Fernandes is reportedly open to exploring the move, he hasn’t made a final decision. United, for their part, are not actively looking to sell, but could be willing to let him go if he signals an intent to leave.
Should that happen, the club would need to move swiftly to secure a replacement. Targets such as João Neves, Désiré Doué, or Xavi Simons are reportedly under consideration.
Leadership-wise, players like Lisandro Martínez or Kobbie Mainoo could be in line to assume greater responsibility, including potentially taking over the captaincy.
Ultimately, Scholes’ comments have reignited a pivotal question for United: Is it time to cash in on Fernandes and fully commit to a rebuild — or would letting him go be adamaging step backward?
