Ruben Amorim has emphatically shut down rumours of captain Bruno Fernandes departing for Real Madrid this summer.
Manchester United’s head coach declared the Portuguese midfielder indispensable to his vision of reclaiming the Premier League title.
Fernandes, subject of a speculated £90million bid from the Spanish giants, has been in electric form, bagging seven goals in his last seven appearances—part of a season haul of 16 goals and 16 assists—despite United’s rocky 13th-place position.
Real Madrid’s interest, fueled by scouts at nearly every United game, positions him as a potential heir to Luka Modric, but Amorim is having none of it.
Speaking ahead of a crucial Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on April 1, 2025, Amorim was resolute: “It’s not going to happen. I want Bruno here. We want to win the Premier League again, we want the best players with us.”
He praised Fernandes’ relentless spirit, suggesting even his on-pitch frustration—sometimes seen as a flaw in his captaincy—reflects a burning desire to win. “This is the kind of player we want. He’s not going anywhere—because I already told him,” Amorim quipped, blending authority with a wry smile.
The 30-year-old’s recent surge, including a Europa League hat-trick against Real Sociedad in March, has lifted United from their early-season malaise under Amorim’s stewardship.
The article paints Fernandes as the heartbeat of a squad showing signs of life, even as financial pressures loom under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS ownership, which has slashed costs and staff. Fernandes’ contract, extended to 2027 last August, offers stability, but a hefty offer could tempt a cash-strapped club.
Amorim, however, sees him as youthful despite 55-game seasons, capable of ending United’s title drought since 2013. The piece also nods to loanees Marcus Rashford and Antony, thriving at Aston Villa and Real Betis, but Fernandes dominates the narrative.
With the Manchester Derby on April 6 looming, Amorim’s faith in his captain signals a defiant stand against transfer speculation and a fractured campaign.
