Milan monitor Bruno Fernandes situation as Manchester United tensions grow

Bruno Fernandes’ increasingly strained relationship with Manchester United has opened the possibility of a move in January, with AC Milan monitoring the Portugal midfielder’s situation. Ruben Amorim is also understood to be keen on bringing him to the Italian club.

The dispute comes as Manchester United continue to struggle for results. They have suffered five defeats and drawn three of their past eight matches in the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup.

Tensions increased when Fernandes was left on the bench for Manchester United’s defeat by AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford, following criticism of the team’s performance against Como.

The United captain had questioned the way the club viewed its past achievements, saying: “At this club, we focus a lot on what was achieved in the past, but we are not like that now, and we must look to the future.”

Michael Carrick responded to Fernandes’ comments, saying: “I do not agree with that. We are far from those levels, but Manchester United showed last year that they are still capable of being a great team.”

Although Fernandes could seek a departure, completing a deal would be complicated. His contract contains a clause allowing him to join a club outside England for about 65m euros.

Manchester United also have the option to extend his contract by a further season, even if an agreement on a new deal cannot be reached. That provision could make a transfer more difficult.

However, the growing disagreement between the player and the club could encourage Fernandes to push for a move during the January transfer window, according to the report.

Fernandes came close to leaving Manchester United last summer but chose to stay after rejecting attractive offers from Saudi Arabian clubs.

Milan are following the Portuguese player’s position despite the financial challenge involved. Fernandes earns a net annual salary of 10.2m euros, a figure beyond the Italian club’s usual spending capacity.

For a transfer to take place, Milan and Manchester United would need to reach an agreement on both the fee and the player’s wages.

Fernandes’ versatility is one of his principal strengths. He can operate in a deeper midfield role to help build attacks or play as an attacking midfielder behind the forwards, where his ability to create chances and score goals can have greater influence.

The 31-year-old is under contract with Manchester United until 30 June 2027. Talks over an extension have been stalled for some time, while reports suggest the club could activate its option for an additional season to avoid losing him for nothing in the future or to preserve the possibility of securing a transfer fee.