Fernandes Rejected Summer Exit

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Fernandes is a key player for Manchester United.
Image credit: Manchester United

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has confirmed that he had an opportunity to leave the club last summer but ultimately decided to stay after discussions with the club and former manager Erik ten Hag.

The Portuguese midfielder was the hero of United’s Europa League triumph on Thursday night, scoring a hat-trick in their victory over Real Sociedad, securing a spot in the quarter-finals against Lyon.

His performance earned praise from United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who highlighted his importance to the club earlier this week.

Discussions About His Future

Fernandes admitted that he held talks with the club regarding his future when an offer to leave came in.

“I sat with the club because I had an offer to leave,” he said. “We talked about the possibility of me leaving the club or staying.

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 (Erik) 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. I thought that we could be successful.”

United’s Struggles and Fernandes’ Role

Despite Fernandes’ 15 goals this season—more than any other player in the squad—Manchester United have struggled.

They are currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, making this one of their worst domestic campaigns since the 1973-74 relegation season.

Interest from Bayern Munich and other top clubs made his future uncertain in the summer, but Fernandes’ commitment remained crucial.

However, since Ruben Amorim replaced Ten Hag in October, the team’s fortunes have not significantly improved.

Criticism from Roy Keane

Former club captain Roy Keane has been vocal about Fernandes’ leadership, criticizing him last month.

“Talent is not enough,” Keane said, adding that Fernandes was not “a fighter.”

Even current manager Amorim has expressed the need for Fernandes to show more trust in his teammates.

“Roy Keane was an amazing captain for the club, one of the best as everyone says,” Fernandes responded.

“I didn’t have the chance to see much from him, only the last few years, but he was a great player that won everything for the club. He’s massively respected from everyone and has all my respect.

He has to give his opinion in a programme and this is what he thinks about me.

I don’t want to copy anyone. I try to be the best captain that I can for my team-mates and help everyone in the best way I know.”

Commitment to Manchester United

The Europa League remains a potential lifeline for United to return to the Champions League, and Fernandes has reaffirmed his desire to remain at the club as long as they are competitive.

“We can’t relax at this club. We need to prove ourselves every day in training and every day that we have a game.

I’m in the same boat as my team-mates. It doesn’t matter how much you do, how much you score, how much you assist… It’s about the team.

I’m very happy at the club. Obviously, I 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.”

Jim Ratcliffe’s Criticism of Players

Ratcliffe has been vocal about United’s squad issues, stating this week that some players are “not good enough” and “overpaid”.

He specifically mentioned Casemiro, Rasmus Højlund, André Onana, Antony, and Jadon Sancho—the latter currently on loan.

Fernandes addressed these comments, saying:

“I don’t think any player likes to hear criticism or things that are talked about to you, that you’re not good enough or you’re overpaid or whatever.

But everyone has their own contract. The club agrees to the contracts and it’s about proving that you can be important for the club.”

What’s Next for Fernandes and United?

Despite a difficult season, Fernandes remains a key figure for United, both in leadership and performance.

His contract runs until 2027, and as long as he continues to deliver on the pitch, he will remain at the heart of United’s plans.

However, the club must address its struggles if it hopes to return to the top.

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