Damaging report reveals Bruno Fernandes’ exit decision as Leny Yoro’s agent hits out

A report has revealed how close Bruno Fernandes was to leaving Manchester United in the summer, while agent Jorge Mendes has come under fire over Leny Yoro’s move to Old Trafford.

according to ESPNMan Utd captain Fernandes was ‘ready to leave’ during the last transfer window. The attacking midfielder had become “tired of the club’s repeated failures”, and United were still nowhere near winning the Premier League title even after spending huge amounts of money and hoping the Erik ten Hag project would develop

Fernandes was eventually persuaded to stay at United as the club “panicked and gave him a massive new deal”. ESPN claim

Fernandes was linked with Barcelona, ​​Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in Saudi Arabia before signing a new contract with United on 15 August. The deal runs until June 2027 and includes an option for an additional 12 months.

United fans would have been devastated if Fernandes got his way out. The Portuguese star is one of the club’s main leaders, as evidenced by the armband, while also being a source of inspiration in the final third.

Since joining United from Sporting CP in January 2020, Fernandes has scored 79 goals and provided 70 assists in 244 games.

The 30-year-old has not been at his best so far this season, as he has yet to score. But Fernandes now appears fully focused on United after his summer move swoop, registering a brilliant assist in the 2-1 win over Brentford on Saturday.

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Leny Yoro’s move causes controversy

Meanwhile, some sections of the Spanish press are unhappy with Mendes after he played a key role in Yoro joining United instead of Real Madrid.

United made a statement when they beat Madrid to the talented young centre-back in July, but he is yet to make his debut for the Red Devils after picking up a foot injury in pre-season.

Journalist Ignacio Ruiz-Quintano has now questioned Mendes’ decision to let Yoro join United.

“Leny Yoro was the centre-back who excited us the most because of how tough he was, which is what scares a striker the most,” he said.

“(He) seemed destined to mark an era at Real Madrid, but United stole him from us, due to the intrigues of his agent, the Portuguese Mendes. Mendes won and Yoro lost, given Madrid’s sudden defensive situation , where Yoro would have a road to glory, something he will never have at United.

“With some perspective, the fault of Yoro’s situation was Mendes, one supposes, but also Madrid.”

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Man Utd news: Exciting link, manager update

Elsewhere, United have claimed interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s big talent Florian Wirtz.

German journalist Florian Plettenberg claims United are ready to battle Real Madrid, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City for Wirtz, who looks set to leave Leverkusen at the end of the season.

However, United will have to spend big to sign the German playmaker. Leverkusen are expected to demand €150m (£125m/$163m) before allowing him to move on.

It’s unclear which manager Wirtz will play under, should United pull off a surprise and win the chase for him.

Ten Hag remain just a few games away from United’s relegation, although his side did get back to winning ways against Brentford.

TEAMtalk understands Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella is not in the frame to replace Ten Hag, despite reports claiming he is.

Instead, managers such as Thomas Frank, Eddie Howe, Edin Terzic and Graham Potter are more likely to occupy the Old Trafford hot seat, should it become available.