Ian Wright says he would take Manchester United star at Arsenal 'tomorrow'

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has voiced his disapproval of Manchester United's handling of Bruno Fernandes, stating he would welcome the Portuguese midfielder at Arsenal without hesitation.

Fernandes recently expressed feeling undervalued at Old Trafford. In an interview with Canal 11, Fernandes revealed he was 'hurt' by the club's willingness to let him leave during the last transfer window. Al Hilal, a Saudi Pro League club, reportedly offered a substantial £100 million transfer fee, coupled with wages reaching £700,000 per week, for the Manchester United captain.

Despite the lucrative offer and his perception that Manchester United was open to the deal, Fernandes opted to remain with the club, where he is under contract until 2027 with an option for an additional year.

Following United's 4-4 draw with Bournemouth, Fernandes admitted, "From the club I felt it was, 'If you go it’s not so bad for us'. It hurts me a bit… More than hurting me, it makes me sad. I’m a player that no-one can criticise, I’m always available, I always give my best."

He continued, "I could have left in this transfer window, I would have earned much more money. I would have won many trophies this season, but I decided not to go, not only for family reasons but because I genuinely love the club... The club wanted me to leave. I told the directors that, I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision because the manager wanted me. But if I said I wanted to leave, even with the manager wanting me to stay, the club would let me."

Since joining Manchester United in early 2020 from Sporting Lisbon for £47 million, Fernandes has become a pivotal player, amassing 103 goals and 93 assists. Wright finds Manchester United's approach to Fernandes perplexing, viewing it as further evidence of 'indecisiveness' at the club's leadership level.

Speaking on The Overlap, Wright commented, "When you look at Bruno’s quotes, it comes back to Man United being indecisive... So someone comes in for Bruno Fernandes last summer… you shut that down." He added, "He didn’t want to go. Bruno is basically saying the club went, 'it’s up to you if you want to leave'. That’s not what you want to hear when you’re the person who has basically held the club up by yourself."

Wright emphasized the importance of the club assuring Fernandes of his value: "You want the club to say, 'you’re not going nowhere, you’re a massive part of this'. But Manchester United didn’t do that. They gave him the option and said, 'if you want to go, you can go'. What is that saying to him? I would take him tomorrow."

Fernandes previously stated that he declined a move to Saudi Arabia before the current season to remain playing "at the highest level" and compete for major titles with Manchester United. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. United's prospects for silverware appear dim, as they currently sit sixth in the Premier League, ten points adrift of Arsenal. Their journey in the Carabao Cup ended with a loss to Grimsby Town, and they are set to face Brighton in the FA Cup third round. Manchester United's next game is against Aston Villa in the Premier League.