Football

CRISTIANO RONALDO’S SAUDI SIDE AL NASSR LINE UP BID FOR MANCHESTER UNITED CAPTAIN BRUNO FERNANDES

May 16, 2024

Bruno Fernandes is a target for Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr to be Cristiano Ronaldo’s team-mate, while Jose Mourinho could be offered a job in the Kingdom as well. Manchester United have made contact with Gareth Southgate and Kieran McKenna over replacing Erik ten Hag, and Thomas Tuchel hopes to be offered the role despite Bayern Munich hoping he stays.

AL NASSR SET TO BID FOR FERNANDES
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is a target for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian side, Al Nassr.
The midfielder has suggested he could be tempted to leave, and United are known to be open to selling players this summer.
The Daily Star reports: “Cristiano Ronaldo wants Bruno Fernandes to leave Manchester United and join him in the Saudi Pro League next season.
“Fernandes has emerged as the No.1 target of Ronaldo’s club Al Nassr. The Saudi outfit are willing to break the bank to lure Fernandes – with Ronaldo urging them to land the Portuguese midfielder.
“United captain Fernandes has become disillusioned at Old Trafford, and held a meeting with club bosses last week to discuss his future and the club’s ambitions going forward. Fernandes is said to have sought assurances from new United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his football leadership team about their vision for the club in the coming years.
“The mega-rich Saudi club are looking to strengthen their squad in a number of positions, including signing an attacking midfielder – with Fernandes their first-choice. Al Nassr are expected to test United’s resolve with a lucrative bid this summer.”
MAN UTD CONTACT TWO MANAGERS
The Mirror reports that Manchester United have already made contact with two managers over potentially replacing Erik ten Hag.
While no decision has been taken over replacing the Dutchman yet, both Gareth Southgate and Kieran McKenna could be under consideration should he depart.
The paper explains: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sounded out Kieran McKenna and Gareth Southgate among five candidates to replace Erik ten Hag.
“The Dutchman has endured an awful second season in the Old Trafford hotseat. The Red Devils see their European hopes in severe jeopardy after losing 14 of their 36 games so far.
“That form has seen Ten Hag’s long-term future called into question, particularly with a year left on his contract.
“Some well-established names have already been linked with a summer switch, while current Premier League bosses are among Ratcliffe’s thinking.”
TUCHEL WANTS MAN UTD JOB OFFER
Bayern Munich hope to keep Thomas Tuchel for the next season, but the German hopes to be offered the Manchester United job.
The Telegraph claims that Bayern might need Tuchel to stay despite announcing their intention for him to leave this summer.
The paper states: “Thomas Tuchel is hoping for an offer from Manchester United should Erik ten Hag leave Old Trafford, although Bayern Munich are attempting to talk him into remaining as their head coach.
“Talks have taken place to ascertain whether Tuchel might stay with Bayern who have been left embarrassed after being turned down by a number of their targets.
“If Tuchel does agree to carry on at Bayern he will ask for certain conditions to be met including more control on transfers and a contract extension beyond next year.
“There is no suggestion that United have made any contact with Tuchel or his representatives. United had not made any decision on Ten Hag’s future ahead of their final home game of the season against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening.”
MOURINHO TARGETED FOR SAUDI SWITCH
The Daily Mail believes that Jose Mourinho could be set for a move to Al-Qadsiah
The Saudi outfit are contemplating a managerial change and Mourinho is out of work after leaving Roma earlier this season.
The paper writes: “Jose Mourinho has emerged as a target for Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah.
“The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss is ready to return to management after being sacked by Roma earlier this season.
“Al-Qadsiah, who got off to a bright start this season under the management of ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler, were promoted from the Saudi First Division last week and are now coached by former Real Madrid and Spain midfielder Michel.
“However, they are understood to be contemplating a change and 61-year old Mourinho is a candidate.
“Mourinho has been courted before by the Saudi Arabian Pro League with Al Shabab among those to make an approach and though he has rejected previous advances he has admitted he is open to managing there with the right project.”