According to Prominent Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd begins negotiations to sign a “beast” from the Premier League as their next captain after Fernandes.

Manchester United’s story is one of constant headlines, and Bruno Fernandes has ignited the latest chapter. Following Monday’s dramatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, where he expertly fired in a free-kick to make it 3-3, the midfielder’s furious celebration raised eyebrows about its intended target.

A recently published interview, conducted weeks prior, appears to provide clarity. The 31-year-old playmaker suggests that certain club executives considered selling him during the last transfer window but ultimately did not have the “bravery” to follow through. Having previously acknowledged rejecting interest from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, Fernandes also hinted at a future move, expressing a long-term interest in experiencing football in Italy or Spain.

“Manchester United wanted me to leave last summer, that is my understanding,” Fernandes stated to Canal11. “I communicated this to the directors, but I believe they lacked the courage to formalize that choice.”

With his current contract at Old Trafford expiring in 18 months, Fernandes has guaranteed that his future will be a subject of speculation until at least next summer, forcing the club to consider contingency plans.

The revelation of this interview is particularly notable as Fernandes has recently hit form in Ruben Amorim’s two-man midfield, contributing to seven goals across his last four Premier League matches. This season, only Erling Haaland has been involved in more Premier League goals than Fernandes, who has 12 direct goal contributions, underscoring his continued influence from a deeper position.

Appointed captain in 2023 after Erik ten Hag removed Harry Maguire from the role, Fernandes has been pivotal to United’s successes for over five years, finishing last season with 38 combined goals and assists. Should his tenure be nearing its end, the club must find a successor who can fill both his creative void and his leadership shoes. This strategic need explains their reported pursuit of current Premier League captain Marc Guéhi.

Per reports, United are one of several clubs to have initiated discussions with the Crystal Palace defender’s representatives, signalling their readiness to present a contract offer for 2026. While a cut-price January move is possible, it is more likely the 25-year-old will depart as a free agent next June, with his advisors reportedly positioning him as a potentially historic free-agent acquisition. After nearly joining Liverpool last summer, securing Guéhi would be a significant coup for United.

While midfield and wing-back reinforcements have been a priority—leading to strong interest in Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo—Monday’s match highlighted defensive vulnerabilities. Injuries forced Amorim to field a makeshift backline including teenagers Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven alongside Luke Shaw, a unit that appeared unsteady. With Harry Maguire’s contract expiring and Lisandro Martínez only just returning from a major injury, adding a centre-back is increasingly urgent.

Guéhi could immediately command a key role and potentially follow Maguire’s path in quickly assuming the captaincy. Having led Palace to an FA Cup victory over Manchester City last season, his performances have drawn high praise, with scout Jacek Kulig labelling him a defensive “beast.” Statistically, he excels in progressive carries and passes while also dominating aerially, winning 71% of his duels this season.

As experienced figures like Maguire and Casemiro approach the end of their deals, and with Martínez injury-prone, Guéhi’s documented leadership qualities—honed with England’s youth teams—make him a logical candidate to eventually wear the armband. Whether Fernandes departs or not, Guéhi represents a fitting long-term leader for the new era at Old Trafford.