Bruno Fernandes: Amorim’s idea, the Saudi offer, the 300 Manchester United games, and his future.
Bruno Fernandes is basking in the sunlight beneath the ceiling lights of Carrington’s newly renovated main building, contemplating his milestone of 300 appearances for Manchester United. “My family is quite happy here, my children enjoy their lifestyle here, even considering the climate and such,” he grins while glancing upwards. “Today is perfectly fine. ”
If circumstances had turned out differently during the summer, Fernandes could have been gazing at the skies of Saudi Arabia. Al Hilal reached out to him, a proposition he truly contemplated. At United, he had discussions with Ruben Amorim, Omar Berrada, and Jason Wilcox. At home, he greatly respected his wife Ana’s views. “The first thing she inquired was, ‘Have you accomplished everything you hoped to achieve at the club? ’. Because she understands that I haven’t. ”
Fernandes also had a conversation with Cristiano Ronaldo. “I talked to him about my situation, regarding Saudi Arabia and all that,” Fernandes states. “I wouldn’t disclose what he advised me, but we did discuss it. Cristiano shared his perspective on what I should consider. With his vast experience, it was valuable for me to understand his viewpoint. However, the final choice will ultimately rest with me and the club.
During an open discussion, he shared:
- The reasons behind his decision to remain at Old Trafford and what lies ahead.
- His connection with Sir Jim Ratcliffe
- The increased amount of running he is doing in matches
- The positive confidence of Matheus Cunha
- His desire to pursue a career in coaching
To begin with, Fernandes, who celebrated his 31st birthday last month, wishes to make a statement regarding the rumors concerning his upcoming plans.
“I’ve come across a lot of reports,” he shares. “Many individuals are suggesting that I’ve already reached an arrangement to leave for the next season. If there is any such agreement from the club, it has not been established with me. I have not had conversations with anyone.
“I can mention that there are still individuals who are reaching out to me and expressing their strong interest in having me join them for next year, without a doubt. However, on my end, there has been no discussion regarding that. My agent understands my approach, so if he intends to discuss anything with me, it will be post-World Cup. Until that point, I won’t be engaging with anyone.
Holding off until he has fulfilled his obligations with Portugal in the United States might lead to interested parties only receiving clarity on Fernandes around mid-July. During the previous summer, he effectively closed the door on speculation about his future at the beginning of June when he turned down Al Hilal’s tempting offer. Had he shown any desire to pursue that option, United could have contemplated making a bid, which influences the discussions surrounding his remaining tenure at Old Trafford past 2026.
Fernandes disclosed today for the first occasion that he engaged in discussions with teams from Europe.
“There were additional clubs that reached out following Al Hilal, but clearly my response wouldn’t alter,” he states. “From Saudi as well. There were individuals from Europe who communicated with me, yet we never reached the point of discussing a formal offer. It’s flattering that people wish for you, but they must present financial commitments to the club. Otherwise, the club will not permit my departure.
I believe that regarding European teams, since I did not express a desire to transfer, they concluded that pursuing me would be futile.
The coach had a discussion with me. He indicated that I was still integral to the plans moving forward. He expressed a desire for me to remain. The organization echoed that sentiment. If the organization had expressed a desire to let me go and suggested, ‘Bruno, you’re 30, we wish to profit from you,’ I would have thought, ‘Alright, I need to seek a new opportunity and I will depart. ’
However, that was clearly not the situation. I remained included in their strategy; I had the potential to assist the club in reaching its objectives. This is what influenced my decision to stay.
The initial conversation I had took place while I was already in Malaysia (during the team’s post-season trip), which is when it all began. I spoke with Omar and told him, ‘Hey, here’s what’s being offered. I recognize that the club might view this in a particular way. I will perceive it differently, so I’m interested in understanding your viewpoint regarding what you all aim to do.
Jason mentioned, as Omar expressed, ‘We are not going to decline, but we clearly wish for you to remain with the club. However, if you wish to leave, we won’t claim that it’s not a significant offer for us, as it involves substantial funds. ’
Al Hilal has the potential to present £80 million-£100 million. Following that, I had a discussion with the coach. I said, ‘Listen, this is the proposal I currently have. I need to ponder whether the club indicates that you are allowed to leave because they want to acquire more players or something similar. ’ That was not the scenario. The club consistently informed me that they aimed to strengthen the squad.
“The coach indicated, ‘No, we desire to bring in additional players to assist you and develop a stronger team, so we do not wish for you to depart. ’
“Clearly, I share a strong bond with the supporters, the club, and the nation. My family (he and Ana have two small children, one son and one daughter) is established here. We do feel a longing for home, but my goal is not to return to play in Portugal. ”
Nonetheless, there is one exception. “If an opportunity arose to play again in Portugal, I would always prioritize Sporting above all others.
The Athletic has been informed that even on the same day Fernandes held a press conference announcing his intention to remain at United, Al Hilal increased their contract proposal to an incredible €40 million annually, excluding €10 million in bonuses. Fahad Bin Nafel, the president of Al Hilal, was in Paris as part of their recruitment strategy ahead of the Club World Cup, ready in case Fernandes accepted their proposal.
“I don’t believe they were pleased with my decision to turn down the offer,” Fernandes states. “I understand that, given that the proposal was quite attractive in terms of salary. It represented a significant difference.
Amorim commended Fernandes for declining the offer during a meeting with staff on the Monday before the start of the Premier League season.
“Financial gain is significant for everyone, but I’m not in a situation where I need to focus on accumulating wealth or worrying about future financial issues if I make the right decisions. My family and I do not tend to live extravagantly. We appreciate our comforts, yet we remain mindful of the future we envision for our children and how we want them to develop.
“We both originate from families without wealth. We never lacked food, but we are very conscious of life’s challenges, especially since our family still resides in Portugal. My mother has nine siblings. I am quite aware of life’s hardships. Honestly, once my career is over, I just wish to enjoy a peaceful life at home, occasionally visiting a coffee shop with my father. ”
Fernandes has more to accomplish at United before reaching that point. The contract extension he signed in 2024 lasts until 2027, with the club holding an additional option for another year.
He has achieved 100 goals and 84 assists through 299 matches for United thus far, securing the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, but finishing as runner-up in two Europa League finals. He was also part of the team that finished second in the Premier League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the 2020-21 season.
If Fernandes remains until 2028, it would align with United’s goal of claiming the title in the club’s 150th anniversary year, referred to internally as Project 150. “Everyone is aware that my goal is to win the Premier League and the Champions League with the club,” he says. “Whether I will achieve that or not is something I cannot predict.
He takes pleasure in receiving individual praise but favors collective achievements. “There are occasions when the top player globally doesn’t secure the Ballon d’Or, even though he has performed better over the season,” he comments. “I desire positive remarks from people;
I would be dishonest to deny that. However, I prioritize the accomplishments of the team, as they would be monumental for me as well. Such achievements would enhance my reputation as a player in the eyes of others. I believe what is lacking during my time at United is that we accomplish something significant as a club.
I have not been able to provide the success that this club seeks and merits, as well as the success that I envisioned for myself when I joined United, since achieving that was my goal upon my arrival at the club. I have been fortunate to accomplish certain things, yet, as I often mention, I feel that my performance has not met my expectations due to the lack of achievements I desire.
Ratcliffe has significantly transformed the club since taking control of operations following his minority stake acquisition. The co-owner of United has previously indicated that during his visits to Carrington, when he exceeds his boundaries, Amorim tells him to “fk off”.
Fernandes chuckles. “I can’t speak to that. I haven’t expressed that to Sir Jim… yet!
Nonetheless, Ratcliffe frequently visits Carrington. “Whenever he comes to the training facility, we always encounter him. We chat a bit, but he doesn’t involve himself deeply in our technical matters,” Fernandes continues. “I don’t think he will be able to do that, in the same way we can’t perform the tasks he handles. We maintain a strong rapport with him. Every player. Each time he visits, he makes an effort to meet everyone, communicating with all. He has Omar and Jason, who are closer to us, to relay messages. ”
Fernandes does have opinions regarding the acquisitions being made during Ratcliffe’s leadership. He expresses optimism about Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, striker Benjamin Sesko, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
“Every conversation I had involved people asking, ‘We need to bring in quality players’. However, we must recruit strong personalities, not just skilled players, as being good alone isn’t sufficient here due to the immense pressure and scrutiny we face.
“I believe we have signed players who recognize the magnitude of the club. Cunha possesses the right level of confidence to perform both well and correctly. Bryan mirrors that trait, as he is not hesitant to take possession of the ball and execute his plays. We acquired two players who are also familiar with the Premier League.
“We also signed a very young goalkeeper and a striker. Clearly, we know Ben will be evaluated based on his goal-scoring, but he has been excelling at whatever is asked of him. He has already netted some goals, and I think he will continue to score more as time goes on.
He demonstrates a strong desire to acquire knowledge, which is quite impressive for someone who has excelled in the Bundesliga and arrived with a hefty price tag. However, he thinks to himself, ‘I wish to learn, I aim to improve.
Then during matches on weekends, he changes into a completely different player on the field. He embodies someone who asserts, ‘I understand my responsibilities. I want to net goals. I will penetrate the box, engage in contests. I will dominate in aerial challenges. ‘
Senne likely arrived with the goal of being the top choice. He had to remain patient for his opportunity, and he was prepared for that moment. This is the essence of what this club represents.
When we discuss Cunha, it’s about having the confidence to state, ‘Pass me the ball; I want to participate, I want to impact the game. ‘ This attitude may not always be appreciated by others. I have experienced that myself. But we desire this version of Cunha. We encourage you to embrace challenges, to attempt shots, to take on defenders, and to innovate.
As for Bryan, it’s similar. ‘Bryan, just take your shots. ‘ Occasionally, I feel frustration during training when he takes an extra touch. I tell him, ‘Bryan, that isn’t necessary. You can strike on the first touch as you possess the capability. You did that against us when you played for Brentford! ‘.
