AC Milan monitor Bruno Fernandes as Ruben Amorim targets Manchester United reunion

AC Milan are monitoring Bruno Fernandes’ situation at Manchester United as Ruben Amorim considers a move to reunite with the Portugal midfielder.

Fernandes’ relationship with Manchester United’s management has deteriorated, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, and the club captain could seek a move during the January transfer window.

The 32-year-old was left on the bench for Manchester United’s defeat by Bournemouth at Old Trafford earlier this week. His omission came after he publicly criticised the club following their 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League.

Fernandes said Manchester United were placing too much emphasis on their past achievements instead of focusing on the future. Manager Michael Carrick, who is also under increasing pressure, publicly disagreed with those comments.

Fernandes’ current contract runs until June 2027, although negotiations over an extension have stalled. Manchester United have the option to add another year to the agreement, which could allow them to avoid losing the player for nothing and secure a transfer fee if he is sold.

His contract also contains a release clause worth about 65m euros for foreign clubs. Fernandes rejected lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia during the most recent summer transfer window.

Milan face financial hurdle

The main obstacle for AC Milan is Fernandes’ salary. He earns 10.2m euros net per year, a figure well beyond the Italian club’s financial capabilities.

For a deal to become possible, both the player and AC Milan would therefore need to make financial concessions.

Amorim knows Fernandes’ qualities well from their time together at Old Trafford. The manager believes the former Udinese and Sampdoria midfielder could excel in either of the two attacking midfield positions behind the striker in his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.