The agent of Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes is being investigated in Portugal, having been accused of match fixing in favour of Benfica.
A Bola reports that Miguel Pinho, who represents Man Utd playmaker Bruno as well as Goncalo Inacio, the Sporting CP defender rumoured to be of interest to numerous major clubs, is facing claims of sports corruption from the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
It is claimed that in the 2015/16 season, Pinho offered Maritimo player Edgar Costa €30,000 to “produce a sporting performance contrary to the interests of his side, aiming to benefit the opponents”, the Public Prosecutor’s Office statement reads.
The Central Department of Investigation and Criminal Action have released a statement indicating that they wish Pinho to be denied the opportunity to continue as an agent, meaning that Bruno Fernandes would need to find a new representative.
What are the implications for Bruno Fernandes and Man Utd?
The news has broken at a delicate time for the Man Utd star, given that Bruno Fernandes is being linked with a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League that could see his life transformed by the riches on offer.
The 30-year-old is reportedly being offered around €1.2m per week to move to Al-Hilal.
The consequences could also be significant for Man Utd as they try to raise funds to sign players who can reinvigorate Ruben Amorim’s side. While Bruno is not a player they would willingly sell, with a British record offer on the table for the player – meaning a transfer fee of more than €135m – the Red Devils might have been tempted into accepting a deal and strengthening three or four other positions.
With Bruno Fernandes’ agent being investigated, any transfer will be complicated, taking a potentially awkward decision out of Man Utd’s hands for the moment.
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