Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders believes Manchester United made a serious mistake by not selling Bruno Fernandes for £100 million last summer.
The 33-year-old Portuguese midfielder, who has scored 112 goals and provided 110 assists in 340 matches for United, is struggling for form, while talks over an extension to his contract, which expires in the summer, have stalled. According to insider Graham Bailey, the player has already instructed his agent to explore options for his future.
Speaking to Footy Accumulators, Saunders said:
“I said in the summer that Manchester United should sell Bruno Fernandes for £100 million, but everyone booed me! To be fair, if you look at his statistics, he has scored a lot of goals. But that’s because he plays as a number ten for United. In that position, you have freedom to move around and don’t have to keep tracking back.
“I think Bruno’s behaviour changed a little in Saturday’s match against Chelsea. He started encouraging his team-mates more, but his speed and activity on the pitch stayed the same. He is undoubtedly talented, but he doesn’t convince me personally.”
Saunders also criticised defender Lisandro Martinez, who had previously expressed public dissatisfaction with the club’s transfer policy and conceded a penalty and was sent off against Chelsea. According to media reports, United are ready to sell the Argentine as early as January, with the defender reportedly having agreed personal terms with one of Spain’s biggest clubs.
“Isn’t it surprising that Christian Romero and Lisandro Martinez won the World Cup with Argentina without receiving a single red card? Both look as though they could be sent off at any moment.
“They should know their place. How can Lisandro publicly criticise Michael Carrick, who pays his wages?
“This season he has been at fault for about six goals conceded, yet he criticises people above him. He is in a very dangerous position at the club.
“According to the information available, Manchester United are already exploring options to replace Martinez, considering defenders from Como and Fulham.”
