Man Utd manager swap could be off as Bruno Fernandes 'wanted' by European giant

Bayern Munich are reportedly confident of signing Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes this summer amid frustrations with a disastrous season and the club’s financial restrictions. United need to raise funds through player sales to boost the start of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s rebuild, and Fernandes could be the subject of an attractive bid.

According to the Independent, Bayern are lining up a swoop for the 29-year-old captain, who also has strong suitors in Saudi Arabia.

The Bundesliga giants believe United would be willing to sanction a deal amid limitations imposed by Financial Fair Play and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

The report claims Fernandes has been amazed by how dramatically Erik ten Hag’s side have dropped off this season and, as he prepares to enter his thirties, wants to challenge for major trophies regularly.

Thomas Tuchel was desperate for another playmaker this season, and Bayern’s reported interest could indicate a surprise U-turn on the decision to dismiss the German coach this summer.

That would end suggestions that Bayern and United could be involved in an indirect manager swap, with Ten Hag’s future also uncertain and Tuchel strongly linked with replacing him.

BILD report that the Bavarians have discussed Ten Hag as an option if he leaves Old Trafford as they struggle to find Tuchel’s successor.

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Either boss would be keen to have Fernandes at Bayern, and he has already publicly refused to play down talk that he could consider a transfer this summer.

“Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it? A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides,” Fernandes told DAZN.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Fernandes joined United in a £47million deal from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 and he has flourished into one of the world’s best playmakers.

The Portuguese maestro has scored 79 goals and registered 64 assists in 230 appearances since landing at Old Trafford.

He could leave on a high if he lifts his second major trophy at the club by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25.