Manchester United fans let out a collective sigh of relief this summer as their star midfielder Bruno Fernandes revealed he had “concrete offers” to leave the club, but ultimately decided to stay put.
The Portuguese playmaker, who has been a driving force at Old Trafford since joining in 2020, candidly opened up about his future plans, admitting there was a real possibility he could have departed the Theatre of Dreams.
“I was approached [by other clubs], the club was aware that there was a possibility of me leaving, I had concrete offers,” Fernandes told ESPN. However, he went on to explain that United made it clear they needed him during a “time of change” and wanted to do “things differently.”
The 30-year-old’s comments come at a tricky time for the Red Devils, who have endured a sloppy start to the Premier League season and currently languish in 14th place. Pressure has been mounting on manager Erik ten Hag, leaving many to wonder if Fernandes could have been the latest high-profile departure.
But while the midfielder admits “it’s not a positive moment” at Old Trafford, he revealed he is enjoying his time with the Portuguese national team far more. “The dynamics are very good. I’m in my country, I speak my language, and I have better food,” he said. “I have demonstrated a good level in the national team.”
Fernandes also took the opportunity to praise Sporting manager Ruben Amorim, suggesting the Portuguese boss is “ready for a job in the Premier League” – a not-so-subtle nod to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future.
With United struggling and Fernandes seemingly more content in a Portugal shirt, the club’s supporters will be hoping their talismanic midfielder can rediscover his best form and lead them out of the doldrums. But the lure of a move away appears to still be lingering in the back of his mind.
