As the team's best player, Fernandes will be 32 years old at the start of next season, which has not gone unnoticed by the club's powers that be.
While a potential sale of Fernandes might be met with resistance from supporters, it could be in the club's best long-term interests.
According to reports, Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr are interested in signing Fernandes, who would be paired with international captain and former United legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Pro League side is reportedly willing to pay around £100m for Fernandes, as well as offer to play friendly matches that could bring in additional revenue for Manchester United.
The club's finances have been impacted by not qualifying for European football, which has limited their ability to make transfers and invest in the team.
Fernandes' current contract ends in 2027, and while he is still an important player, the club may not be willing to offer him the same terms on a new deal.
A move to the Saudi Pro League could be a good opportunity for Fernandes to earn a significant amount of money, as he would not find a similar financial package elsewhere in Europe at this stage of his career.
However, Manchester United would miss Fernandes' contributions, as he has scored 100 goals and provided 83 assists in 298 games since joining the club in 2019.
His leadership and presence on the pitch would be difficult to replace, and the club would need to find a suitable replacement if he were to leave.
Other players, such as Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, may also be considering their futures at the club, with Mainoo reportedly unhappy with his situation and Zirkzee looking for opportunities elsewhere.
The next six to 12 months will be crucial for Manchester United, with several players' futures hanging in the balance.
The club's board will need to make tough decisions to achieve their long-term goals, and only then can they assess where they stand and what the future holds.
Short-term pain may be necessary for long-term gain, but it is a phrase that is perfectly applicable in this case.
