Bruno Fernandes has been nothing short of exceptional for Manchester United this season, with his performances on the pitch making him the heartbeat of the team.
However, the 30-year-old nearly left Old Trafford last summer, as he sought clarity about his future with the club.
Fernandes admitted that he had been approached by potential suitors, and was considering his options.
“I sat with the club [in the summer] because I had an offer to leave, we talked about the possibility of me leaving the club or staying,” he explained.
“They said what they wanted from me.
“I just asked if they still see me as part of the future of the club or not.
“I spoke at the time with Ten Hag also.
“He was very clear with me, the club was very clear with me, that they thought I would be a big part of this rebuild that they want to do in a different way.”
Before committing to a new three-year contract in August, Fernandes had these crucial talks with Erik ten Hag and United executives.
Despite his concerns, Fernandes chose to stay, with the club assuring him that he remained a key figure in their plans.
“I heard what they had to tell me.
“I thought that we could be successful.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t start the season very well.
“Erik had to lose his job by the results we had and the performance we had, but the fault was on everyone and everyone together with the manager.”
Despite the rocky start to the season and the managerial change, Fernandes has continued to shine on the pitch.
He notably scored a hat-trick in United’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the Europa League, taking his tally for the season to 15 goals and 13 assists in 43 games.
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“Now we are in a different moment with a new manager that thinks in a different way, that has a different way of playing.
“I’m still very happy at the club. I’m being always happy at the club to play for this club, to represent the club is a big honour for me.”
While Fernandes has been one of the most consistent performers for United, he downplayed the idea of feeling entitled to success or greater recognition.
“No, I deserve the same as my teammates.
“I’m in the same boat as them,” he said.
“If I haven’t given everything to the club yet, or more to the club, it’s because I don’t deserve it and that’s it.
“It doesn’t matter how much you do, how much you score, how much you assist, that doesn’t change anything.
“It’s about the team, it’s about the club to succeed.”
Although the club has had a disappointing season in terms of league results, Fernandes’s commitment remains unwavering, as he stressed that he is focused on helping the team fight for success, especially in the Europa League.
“Obviously, I want to win trophies.
“I’m not stupid, I won’t say that I don’t want to win trophies.
“I want to be in the biggest competitions, I want to fight for the big trophies.
“That’s what I said to the club.
“That’s what the club said to me that they want to do.”
In a season where the Europa League remains United’s only realistic route to a trophy, Fernandes’s leadership and performances have been invaluable to the team.
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