Fernandes Off-Limits: Man Utd Skipper's Price Tag? Non-Existent

United's stance couldn't be clearer: Fernandes isn't for sale. Not at any price. Quite the turnaround from just 12 months ago, when, per Sky Sports, the club seemed ready to cash in. £100m, they figured, would fund new recruits. Saudi Arabian outfit Al Hilal was apparently lined up with just that figure, yet Fernandes ultimately opted to stick around in Manchester.

Now, his contract runs down. It's the final year. But don't expect him to walk for free. United holds an option for another 12 months. Expect them to activate that. It's a no-brainer, really, keeps him off the free agent market for foreign clubs come January.

Fernandes' stock has only soared since last summer. He bagged Premier League Player of the Year honors. Shattered the competition's assist record. He's absolutely crucial to manager Michael Carrick's vision, domestically and in Europe. Sky Sports confirms it.

Oh, and that tidy £57m release clause? Gone. Expired. One less avenue for any hopeful buyers. Galatasaray might still throw a bid in. Doesn't matter. United's message is loud and clear: their main man stays put. Period.