Louis Saha has encouraged Bruno Fernandes to prioritise his own needs and consider a move away from Manchester United. The future of captain and talisman Fernandes at the club remains uncertain beyond the end of this season.
The 31-year-old is contracted until June 2027, with an option for an additional 12-month extension. There was strong interest from the Saudi Pro League in securing his signature last summer, with United reportedly willing to part ways for an eye-watering sum of £100million.
The Portugal international, who signed from Sporting CP in January 2020 for £47m, insists he will only discuss his future with his agent following this summer's World Cup. United are also yet to reach a decision on Fernandes' potential sale as they are still to appoint a permanent manager.
But former United striker Saha believes Fernandes shouldn't allow his love for the club to obstruct making the best choice for himself come the end of the season. The Frenchman highlighted that the midfielder should carefully consider his future, given the uncertain sporting pathway under the INEOS hierarchy and the new regime’s reputation for ruthless decision-making.
Saha told CasinoHawks: "I think for the respect that we all have for Bruno Fernandes, I think he's a terrific player, he has to consider his future because, looking at the strategy of INEOS, the way they think is very uncertain. It's really difficult to anticipate.
"I can imagine a player of his stature, who has delivered as much as he has over the years, has to think about himself at some point. Those people at the top think about the club, and they think about their own position. The reality is, you can love the club as much as you want, it doesn't matter. At some point, you have to make your own decision.
"This isn't to say, 'Bruno, you have to go.' No, he has to think about his own career. It's not only about trophies because we know 100%, I have no doubt about that, that Bruno wants to win a major trophy with Manchester United.
"It would be his proudest moment because he really loves the club and he's shown that with his dedication. He was disappointed because he has seen, he has heard some behaviour around his future that he didn’t like, so it's up to him to make the decision.
"But he also has to consider staying as well if he feels that the club and the staff are really behind him, because he needs the support to go out there and be the captain we need."
Fernandes admitted he weighed up a transfer to Saudi and held discussions with Al-Hilal over a potential move last year, though his preference was to stay put in Manchester. The Saudi side were prepared to table a £100m offer for him and offer weekly wages of up to £700,000, which led him to seek advice from Portugal and former United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
United chiefs showed ambivalence towards his departure due to the enormous sum they would receive. Looking back on the Al-Hilal interest, Fernandes has since admitted he felt let down by United's stance, saying: "From the club I felt it was, 'If you go it's not so bad for us.' It hurts me a bit.
"More than hurting me, it makes me sad. I'm a player that no one can criticise, I'm always available, I always give my best. I could have left in this transfer window, I would have earned much more money.
"I would have won many trophies this season but I decided not to go, not only for family reasons but because I genuinely love the club." The player insists no agreement is in place to move to Saudi this summer.