Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has claimed senior figures at the club "wanted him to go" during the summer transfer window, revealing he was "hurt" and "sad" about the situation in a bombshell interview with Portuguese television.
Fernandes reveals summer tensions
Speaking to Canal 11, a channel owned by the Portuguese Football Federation, Fernandes dropped a transfer bombshell that has rocked Old Trafford. The 31-year-old midfielder claimed the club's hierarchy were prepared to cash in on him when Al-Hilal offered £100million.
"The club wanted me to go, I have that in my head," Fernandes said. "I told the directors that, but I think they didn't have the courage to make that decision because the manager wanted me. If I had said I wanted to leave, even with the manager wanting me to stay, the club would let me."
The Portugal international spoke with United chiefs Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox about a possible exit. They informed him they would not stand in his way if he wanted to leave – a stance that left Fernandes questioning his value to the club.
'Money is more important than the player'
Fernandes expressed his frustration at the perceived shift in how loyalty is viewed in modern football: "The issue of loyalty isn't viewed the same way it used to be. I could have left in the last transfer window. I would have earned much more money.
"The passion and empathy I had for the club were the same, but it reaches a point where money is more important to them than you. From the club's side, I felt a bit like, 'If you leave, it's not so bad for us.' It hurts me a bit. More than hurting, it makes me sad because I'm a player who has nothing to criticise. I'm always available, I always play, good or bad. I give my all."
He added: "Then, you see things around you, players who don't value the club as much and don't defend the club as much. That makes you sad."
Amorim's intervention proved decisive
Fernandes ultimately stayed at Old Trafford after talks with head coach Ruben Amorim, who made clear the midfielder remained central to his plans. The Portuguese connection between manager and captain appears to have been the deciding factor.
"I think they didn't have the courage to make that decision because the manager wanted me," Fernandes explained. The implication was clear – without Amorim's backing, United's leadership would have sanctioned the sale.
Revealed: near-exit last season too
Fernandes also disclosed that he was close to leaving United a year earlier: "I was going to leave a season ago – I won't say where – but I would have won many trophies that season. But I decided not to go, not only for family reasons but because I genuinely love the club."
The unnamed club won silverware during the 2024-25 campaign, meaning Fernandes missed out on trophies by choosing to stay at United through another difficult season that ended with a 15th-place Premier League finish and Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
United's response
Sky Sports News understands the club's leadership were clear with Fernandes throughout the summer – and remain adamant – that he is part of their plans and they have no desire to sell him. United sources have responded by reiterating there is "no desire" for Fernandes to leave and he remains "central" to the club's long-term plans.
The interview was conducted several weeks ago through the Portuguese Football Federation, before Fernandes continued his excellent form this season. He has recorded 103 goals and 93 assists in 307 appearances for United, including a stunning free-kick in Monday's dramatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
Bayern Munich enter the frame
The revelations come amid reports that Bayern Munich are monitoring Fernandes' situation. According to TalkSPORT, there is a feeling within the United dressing room that this could be his final season at Old Trafford.
Fernandes is contracted until June 2027, with the club holding an option to extend. He has previously stated he will address his future after the 2026 World Cup, where he will represent Portugal alongside his close friend Cristiano Ronaldo.
