Michael Owen believes Manchester United have bigger issues to face than placating their captain.
Bruno Fernandes made waves last week when he said that he feels on the fence about staying at the club.
In an interview with DAZN, Fernandes addressed the turmoil surrounding the club and how it has affected him, saying, "a player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, they have to want him to stay here and, at the moment, I feel that on both sides.”
That the Portugal international is entertaining thoughts of leaving is just another issue in a long list that new owner Jim Ratcliffe will need to attend to this summer, but Owen believes that Fernandes is a much lower priority for the beleaguered club.
Speaking to Gambling Zone, Owen explained the issues he thinks United should address before tending to Fernandes' concerns.
“Bruno is a very good player who would suit a lot of clubs," Owen said. "I think Man Utd are going through probably more important things than worrying about a player here or there at the moment. Man Utd have had great players since Sir Alex left, spent more than anyone, and look where they are. It's more important that they get their things sorted off pitch first.
“Get the right manager first, get the right team behind the scenes, from scouts to directors, the final steps then will be to see them build. But trying to just buy your way with players has been proven not to work. They can go and spend another £200m, but while things are not right behind the scenes it won't matter.
“If you fast forward five years and say a star player will leave, it will be a disaster, but at the moment there are far bigger fish to fry in terms of a manager and structure behind the scenes.
“He can score and create, who wouldn't want him, though? I haven't seen the interview, but I'd have thought the captain of Man Utd wouldn't do that though and come out and say he wants to leave. But if he does then he does.”
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