Bruno Fernandes will not feature in Sporting Lisbon’s next fixture amid Manchester United’s transfer interest.
I don’t know how that makes any sense, but it comes from Record (via the Express), claiming Fernandes will not be used versus Maritimo on Monday as a result of the speculation regarding his future.
Perhaps his head has turned and manager Silas doesn’t want to play him in this situation, and would rather see both clubs finally come to an agreement over the transfer fee. It has dragged on way too long and it wouldn’t surprise us if people involved in the deal have lost patience waiting for it to conclude.
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Fernandes has featured in Sporting’s last two fixtures — defeats to Benfica and Braga — as captain in the last week. He picked up an assist against Braga, sending a quick free-kick into ex-Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu to score.
We don’t expect players to stop playing for their clubs or showing up for training because they’re linked with United, but this could be Fernandes trying to force a move (not that he wants to show any disrespect to his present club).
It would be great if we could get this deal over the line soon, though. It has dragged on for far too long and Solskjaer is in desperate need of additions before the January transfer window shuts.
All eyes the Sporting XI on Monday!
