A newly published interview with Bruno Fernandes has sent shockwaves through the media, even though Manchester United stress the comments were made a few weeks ago.
Bruno Fernandes remains one of Manchester United’s most influential players after winning the club’s POTY award for a fourth season.
This season has seen Fernandes play a more disciplined role under Ruben Amorim, partnering Casemiro in a deeper midfield position.
The Portugal international remains United’s most creative player, after scoring from a free-kick in Monday night’s 4-4 draw against Bournemouth.
Fernandes dominated the headlines on Tuesday morning for matters non-match related, even though he was among the top rated versus Bournemouth.
That was because an interview conducted last month was published, with comments from Fernandes stating he felt United wanted to sell him last summer.
“I decided not to go [to Saudi Arabia], not only for family reasons, but because I genuinely liked the club,” Fernandes said.
“From the club I felt, ‘if you go it’s not that bad for us’. It hurts me a bit. More than hurting, makes me sad, I’m a player who has nothing to point to, I’m always available, I always give the best of me.”
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Where does Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick vs Bournemouth rank among his best ever Man Utd goals?
What a hit!🎯
Bruno Fernandes scores free-kick vs Bournemouth
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Bruno Fernandes celebrates
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Fernandes turned down a move to Saudi Arabia to remain at Old Trafford, but the recent interview cast further doubt over his long-term future at United.
Bruno Fernandes celebrates goal versus Bournemouth
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Man Utd want Bruno Fernandes to stay
The headlines this morning suggested that United would have preferred to have sold Fernandes in the summer.
It is worth considering that the funds from a Fernandes transfer would likely be spent on reinforcing the midfield department, which needs to be revamped in 2026 if United are to continue rebuilding the squad.
BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone has provided an update on the Fernandes situation, stating that United want him to stay as they see the Portuguese midfielder being part of their long-term plans, despite being 31 years old.
Stone wrote on X: “Bruno Fernandes made it clear earlier this season he had things he still wanted to achieve at Man Utd and am told that remains the case. He is ambitious though. He has to believe United are capable of delivering.
“Sources @ManUtd adamant they are not planning to sell Fernandes or want him to leave. They see him as part of long-term plan.”
Bruno Fernandes says he felt United were happy for him to leave in the summer!
Should United have accepted a £100m offer from the Saudi Pro League? What do you think of his comments?
Bruno Fernandes quote graphic
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This should help quench the speculation around Fernandes ahead of the January transfer window, but there is no way United would allow such a key player to leave midway through the season.
Fernandes needs to focus on winning football matches at United before jetting off to the World Cup next summer.
Bruno Fernandes topping charts for Premier League assists
Although Fernandes is being asked to play a more disciplined role at United, the club captain is still recording an impressive output in terms of goal contributions.
Fernandes has more assists (7) than any other player in the Premier League this season.
The only player across Europe’s top five leagues with more assists is Bayern Munich star Michael Olise, with eight assists in the Bundesliga.
It shows that Fernandes is backing up his numbers even though he is being asked to play a different role in the team. His consistency remains a key factor in why he remains an influential player at Old Trafford.
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