Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has called on the club to accept a £100 million bid from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal for Bruno Fernandes, insisting it’s an offer too good to turn down. The Saudi side are reportedly making a major push to sign the Portuguese midfielder, with negotiations said to be progressing well between the player’s camp and the club. Fernandes, who has led United through a turbulent season, is now believed to be seriously considering the move — and Scholes feels the timing makes sense for all involved.
During a recent appearance on The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes didn’t hold back, stating that the club simply cannot afford to reject such a massive offer. Given Fernandes is now 30 years old, there’s a growing belief that United should cash in while his market value remains high, especially as the club undergoes a rebuild and faces pressure from financial regulations. Scholes’ view mirrors the internal discussions likely happening at Old Trafford, as fans and analysts weigh the impact of potentially losing one of the squad’s most consistent performers.
Selling Fernandes would represent a significant profit for United, who signed him for around £47 million in 2020. The money could go a long way in supporting Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dan Ashworth’s vision of reshaping the team with younger, more dynamic players. With Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules looming large, a sale of this magnitude could help ease the pressure — just as with potential departures of other high-profile players like Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, or Casemiro.
Yet, letting go of Fernandes comes with serious footballing risks. Despite the team’s struggles, he has been their creative heartbeat, delivering 15 goals and 12 assists last season across all competitions. Replacing that kind of output and leadership won’t be easy or cheap. While some believe Fernandes may not perfectly suit manager Ruben Amorim’s more flexible playing style, others argue his passion and mentality are irreplaceable assets in a team that still lacks stability.
Al-Hilal have proven they’re capable of landing big names, with Neymar, Ruben Neves, and Aleksandar Mitrović already on their books. They’re believed to be confident in securing Fernandes, and while United won’t force the midfielder out, they are unlikely to resist if he expresses a desire to leave — especially with £100 million on the table.
If the deal goes through, Manchester United will be expected to pursue creative replacements. Names like João Neves, Désiré Doué, and Xavi Simons have already started surfacing as possible targets. Leadership in the dressing room would also need reshuffling, with Lisandro Martínez or Kobbie Mainoo potentially stepping into more prominent roles.
Scholes’ comments might strike a nerve with fans who hold Bruno in high regard, but they underscore the tough decisions United may need to make in this new era. Emotion aside, a £100 million offer for a 30-year-old player might just be the pragmatic solution the club needs to kickstart a smarter, sustainable rebuild.
