Bruno Fernandes at odds with United, could force an exit: AC Milan watch, Amorim hopes

The Red Devils captain remained on the bench in the defeat to Bournemouth and looks increasingly likely to leave the club.

Manchester United have lost five and drawn three of their last eight matches across the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. Manager Micheal Carrick's position is increasingly under threat, while captain Bruno Fernandes is at the centre of a major controversy. After making critical remarks following the humiliation against Como, Fernandes watched from the bench as United suffered a heavy defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford over the weekend.

The row with Carrick

The former Novara and Udinese player said: "At this club, people focus too much on what has been done, but we are not those people and we must look to the future." Carrick disagreed: "I don’t agree. We are far from those levels, but last year United showed they can still be great."

The rift with the club

Bruno Fernandes emerged as an intriguing prospect in England in the summer, but the Portuguese player's price remains high. His contract includes a clause for foreign clubs set at nearly €65 million, while United can extend it by a further season even if they fail to agree a new deal. A rift with the club could prompt him to force the issue and leave as early as January.

The pursuit by AC Milan and Amorim

Any transfer fee would be only part of the cost. The Portuguese player's €10.2 million net per season salary is beyond Milan's reach, so both he and the club would have to make an effort to find a solution. An attacking midfielder of unquestionable quality, he can drop deeper to build attacks or play further forward to create chances for his team-mates and himself. He could operate close to goal in Rúben Amorim's 3-4-2-1.

The expiring contract

Bruno Fernandes is under contract with the club until 30 June 2027. Talks over an extension have long been at a standstill. The club appear intent on triggering their option for a unilateral one-year extension solely to avoid losing him for nothing and secure a fee for his departure. Fernandes came close to being sold in the summer before deciding to stay and turn down lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia.