Patrice Evra begs Man Utd to avoid huge transfer ‘mistake’ this summer

Patrice Evra says Manchester United would be making a huge ‘mistake’ if they allowed Bruno Fernandes to leave for the riches of the Saudi Pro League this summer.

Fernandes, 30, has once again been United’s shining light in an otherwise miserable Premier League campaign, with the club set to finish the season on their lowest-ever points total under Ruben Amorim.

Though United find themselves stranded down in 16th place, Fernandes has still managed to rack up eight goals and nine assists while wearing the captain’s armband.

The talismanic attacking midfielder has also been a revelation in the Europa League, registering seven goals and four assists to help book his side a place in this year’s final against Tottenham.

While Fernandes is tied into a contract at Old Trafford until 2027, widespread reports suggest the Portugal international is being targeted by Al-Hilal for a lucrative summer transfer move.

The Saudi outfit are prepared to offer Fernandes eye-watering wages of £65million-a-year to wrap up a deal for the ex-Sporting man before next month’s Club World Cup.

However, Ruben Amorim has repeatedly poured cold water on the rumours, insisting he will be doing everything in his power to keep hold of ‘one of the best players in the world’.

According to Evra, Fernandes should be at the front and centre of Amorim’s plans if United are serious about building a ‘competitive’ squad for the future.

‘What he’s looking for next season is to have a competitive team. We need more defenders, we need a proper striker, maybe some midfielders to support Bruno,’ the former United left-back told Sky Sports.

‘I heard in Saudi they offered a lot of money to get Bruno and I think it would be a mistake to let him go.

‘People talk about his age, 30. No! He’s the most important player in the team.

‘I think if Bruno wasn’t there, maybe we wouldn’t be in the final of the Europa League.’

When put to Evra that United may even have been relegated without Fernandes, the Frenchman replied: ‘Yeah, I’m not afraid and ashamed to say that.

‘This could have been possible, but now we are this final.

‘Make sure next year that we get the right players to be competitive because we have to forget this season.’

Evra continues to be impressed by Amorim’s personality and spirit, despite branding United’s season as a whole a ‘disaster’.

‘It’s a disaster, it’s not a great season. Amorim knows that, I had a meeting with him and he’s not happy,’ the five-time Premier League winner added.

‘But I love his humility, he admits things. You remember what happened with Rashford? He said, “Guys, I couldn’t get the best out of Rashford”, so I love his honesty.

‘I love the personality but, of course, the results are really bad this season.’

Evra is anticipating an extremely tough contest for United in the Europa League final given Tottenham have come out on top in all three of the sides’ meetings this season.

‘We’ve got, I would say, the last chance to win the Europa League, but it’s against Tottenham and they have beaten us three times this year. It won’t be an easy game,’ he went on.

‘If you want to attract the top players, you need to be playing in the Champions League, especially a club like Manchester United.

‘It’s definitely the biggest game for Amorim and his players this season.

‘United can have a tough season, even with Erik ten Hag, but we still win trophies and there’s not many teams that can do that.

‘That’s why this is the biggest chance, the biggest opportunity. Please guys, make it happen.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.