Chelsea backed to get Mason Mount revenge as Bruno Fernandes hints at Man Utd exit

Bruno Fernandes sent the Manchester United fanbase into a state of anxiety on Tuesday by refusing to rule out the possibility of a summer exit. And William Gallas has backed his former club Chelsea to make a play for the United captain if he joins the exodus from Old Trafford expected at the end of the season.

Fernandes has almost been ever-present for the Red Devils since completing a £47million move in January 2020.

In that time, he has established himself as one of Europe’s best attacking midfielders, registering 79 goals and 64 assists in 230 appearances.

However, United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League inevitably leaves the club more vulnerable to losing their top players if attractive opportunities arise.

And Fernandes has admitted that a dismal second season under Erik ten Hag has fallen short of his expectations, suggesting he could ponder a departure after Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign this summer.

“I’m not thinking too much about the future, not least because, obviously, this season hasn’t been at the level I’d hoped for, either individually or collectively, so far,” Fernandes told DAZN.

“So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros.

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“Because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment.”

United will reportedly listen to offers for all senior players – except Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – in the upcoming transfer window.

And Gallas wants to see Chelsea launch an audacious pursuit of Fernandes and Marcus Rashford to upgrade Mauricio Pochettino’s faltering attack.

He told Gambling Zone: “Both Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes could be good options for Chelsea.

“Both are quality players. Bruno could definitely be the kind of midfielder who has the quality to play in the number ten role where Chelsea lack strength.

“Chelsea are a team of young players and Bruno Fernandes has the leadership qualities to get through certain periods. He’d be a good signing if the rumours are true.”

Either player landing at Stamford Bridge is incredibly unlikely, given Chelsea’s struggles have been even worse than United’s this term.

But the prospect of a United team without Fernandes could become a reality if a European heavyweight puts Champions League football on the table.