Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he had the opportunity to leave the club last summer.
The 30-year-old midfielder delivered an outstanding performance on Thursday night, netting a hat-trick in United’s victory over Real Sociedad, securing their place in the Europa League quarter-finals against Lyon.
His impressive display earned him recognition from United’s co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who praised him in an interview with BBC Sport on Monday.
Despite this, Fernandes disclosed that he had received an offer to depart the club during the summer and had discussions regarding his future at Old Trafford.
“I sat with the club because I had an offer to leave,” Fernandes explained. “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.”
So far this season, the Portuguese international has scored 15 goals, a tally that no other United player has reached, with none of his teammates hitting double figures.
United’s struggles this season have been evident, as they currently sit 14th in the Premier League, facing one of their worst domestic campaigns since their relegation in 1973-74. Given the club’s situation, one can only imagine how much worse it could have been had Fernandes decided to leave, with clubs like Bayern Munich reportedly interested in signing him.
Following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October, fellow Portuguese manager Ruben Amorim was brought in as his replacement. However, United’s fortunes have not improved under the new leadership.
Former United captain Roy Keane criticized Fernandes last month, stating that “talent is not enough” and questioning his leadership by saying he was not “a fighter.”
Even Amorim, despite acknowledging Fernandes’ brilliant performance in the Europa League, suggested that the captain needed to have more faith 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.”
Despite United’s struggles, the Europa League still presents a potential pathway back into the Champions League.
Fernandes, who remains under contract until 2027, has reiterated his desire to continue playing for United as long as they remain competitive in the hunt for trophies.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently commented on the state of the squad, asserting that some players he inherited were “not good enough” and “overpaid.”
The billionaire businessman specifically mentioned players such as midfielder Casemiro, striker Rasmus Højlund, goalkeeper André Onana, and wingers Antony and Jadon Sancho—who is currently out on loan.
Responding to these remarks, Fernandes said, “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.”
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