Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has sparked fresh debate after suggesting the club should part ways with captain Bruno Fernandes if a £100 million offer from Al-Hilal is truly on the table. The Saudi side is reportedly serious about bringing the Portuguese midfielder over, and negotiations with his agents appear to be progressing smoothly. Fernandes, having weathered a rocky season as captain, is said to be giving the offer real consideration — and Scholes thinks the timing couldn’t be more opportune.
In a recent appearance on The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes laid it bare — if United are offered £100 million, there’s no justifiable reason to decline. It’s not just the money talking, it’s the reality of football economics and the age curve. Bruno’s given everything, but he’s 30, and the harsh truth is that age rarely forgives in elite-level sport. Scholes’ sentiment reflects the quiet grumbling in the fanbase — gratitude for the player, but recognition that business must sometimes trump loyalty.
Selling Bruno now would mark a significant profit, considering he cost roughly £47 million when he joined in 2020. With INEOS’ new sporting regime focused on rejuvenating the squad, a hefty sale aligns neatly with their blueprint. It’s not just about profit; it’s about flexibility — the kind that lets you bring in multiple new faces and shape a side for the long haul. Financial Fair Play regulations add even more pressure to move high-value players before the next fiscal deadline closes in.
Yet replacing Fernandes isn’t as easy as cashing a cheque. He’s been United’s creative engine during some of the club’s bleakest performances. His tally of 15 goals and 12 assists this past season is no joke. Letting that go — even for a mountain of gold — means finding someone who can match his drive, output, and leadership under pressure. The risk of a drop-off in quality is real, and fans know the club hasn’t always made the smartest reinvestments.
Al-Hilal’s interest, however, is very real. They’ve already assembled a glittering squad that includes the likes of Neymar and Ruben Neves. Bruno would be joining a team that offers both financial reward and a less physically demanding league. While United won’t force him out, they may not stand in his way if he signals he’s ready to move on. The money is tempting, and so is the idea of ushering in a new era without sentiment weighing down the project.
Should Fernandes exit, the dominoes will fall quickly. Names like João Neves, Xavi Simons, and Désiré Doué will suddenly rise in the headlines as creative replacements. Leadership on the pitch would need to be restructured — Lisandro Martínez or Kobbie Mainoo could be handed more responsibility. A Bruno-less United would be different, but potentially more aligned with the vision INEOS is chasing: young, dynamic, and ruthless.
Scholes’ remarks may sting for those who still see Bruno as the heart of United. But he’s voicing what many decision-makers are probably thinking — that emotion can’t rule the rebuild. Football isn’t a fairy tale; it’s a brutal business, and sometimes the best time to let go is when the money is at its highest and the legs begin to slow.
So now comes the tough question: do you cash in and look forward, or double down on your talisman and risk missing the boat? If Bruno goes, he’ll leave a gap. But with the right eyes on the transfer market, maybe it’s the kind of loss that clears the way for a more sustainable, modern United — one less reliant on miracles and more focused on momentum.
Leave a Reply