Online Reporter
RUBEN AMORIM has told Bruno Fernandes he is not for sale at any price — despite Manchester United being desperate to raise cash.
Spanish giants Real Madrid are eyeing up a £90million summer swoop for Red Devils captain Fernandes.
But boss Amorim said: “He’s not going anywhere because I’ve already told him. United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been cutting costs — with up to 450 job losses — after claiming they were in danger of going bust.
Amorim admits players will be sold to pay for summer signings.
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho may end up being sacrificed as United still struggle with Prem financial rules. The homegrown pair could bring in at least £100m of pure profit.
But ahead of last night’s trip to Nottingham Forest, Amorim brushed off talk of Fernandes going. He said: “No. It’s not happening.
“We’ve had low points this season but I want Bruno here as we want to win the league again.”
Fernandes, 30, last August penned a fresh deal until 2027, with the option of another year.
The attacker revealed last month that he could have moved on then.
He said: “I sat with the club as I had an offer to leave, we talked about the possibility. I just asked if they still saw me as part of the club’s future.”
Before last night, Fernandes boasted eight goals and nine assists since Amorim’s November arrival.
His hat-trick against Real Sociedad earned a Europa League quarter-final spot.
Amorim said: “We’re in control of the situation and feel he’s really happy.
“I think he is one more supporter of Man United and he’s the type of player that we want here.
“He really feels it. Sometimes you see the frustration — and maybe some say it is not a good thing in a captain. But it’s a sign that he wants this so bad.”
Yet selling on-loan pair Marcus Rashford and Antony would help boost United’s transfer kitty.
Rashford got his first goals for Aston Villa in Sunday’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Preston and is back in the England fold.
Antony has eight goal contributions in 12 games since going to Real Betis.
Amorim says it is “good news” for the club that the forwards are doing well.
He said: “Rashford’s a top player, if he wants. So I’m not surprised and it’s the same with Antony.”
But on their futures, he added: “I just want to focus on the game.” —Sun.
