- Bruno Fernandes opted to stay at Manchester United
- Red Devils captain has recalled last summer’s transfer saga
- Told Wayne Rooney he wants to win Premier League title
Bruno Fernandes has opened up about last summer’s uncertainty over his future at Manchester United, insisting he didn’t want to leave. The Portuguese playmaker was linked with a move to Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal.
The Red Devils captain reportedly snubbed a staggering £65m per year offer from the Saudi giants. Instead, he stayed at Old Trafford and has since enjoyed his best season at the club.
Fernandes has bagged an astonishing eight goals and 19 assists in 32 games across competitions. He is just two assists shy of Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry’s joint record of 20 assists in a single Premier League campaign.
Bruno Fernandes: I Want to Win Premier League
Fernandes spoke to United’s all-time top goalscorer Wayne Rooney about last summer and the possibility of leaving the club. He told the legendary striker on The Wayne Rooney Show:
“Yes, obviously, the Saudi offer, with all that money. It was huge. But my wife has her feet on the ground, just like me. We do not want to be the richest people in the world… We just want to be the ones who have achieved their dreams, who lead a beautiful life with their children and who try to achieve as much success as possible.”
Fernandes added:
“My wife said to me: ‘Have you achieved your dreams? Have you accomplished everything you wanted?'” “That little remark made me realise that she was on the same page as me. I didn’t want to leave Manchester United when we were in difficulty.”
The Portuguese midfielder spoke of his aspirations at this stage of his career:
“I want to win the Premier League. I want to win the Champions League. I never hide from that.”
Fernandes is in his sixth year at United and will have a year left on his contract this summer. The club’s stance is reportedly that he isn’t for sale “under any circumstances.”
Man United Must Hand Fernandes a Title
Fernandes’ loyalty to United even has rival fans stunned with admiration, and it’s fair to say he’s won many of them over this season. Complaints about his supposed moaning and questions about his leadership have truly been put to bed.
The former Sporting CP midfielder is the ultimate role model, and it’s a shame he didn’t get to play during the Sir Alex Ferguson era. He is eager to end his career with a Premier League or Champions League winners’ medal.
INEOS have an important summer coming up, and it’s vital that they get the recruitment right. Not just that, they also need to make the best decision about the next permanent manager, whether that’s Michael Carrick or another candidate.
Fernandes deserves to win a league or European title, and it’s up to United to reward him with it. There have been signs of progression this season, but it’s time to get serious about challenging for the major prizes rather than constantly settling on recurring rebuilds.
