Bruno Fernandes reveals offer to leave Man Utd after superb Real display

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he considered departing the club during the summer transfer window.

The 30-year-old proved his worth to the team on Thursday night, netting a hat-trick in a Europa League victory over Real Sociedad, securing United’s place in the quarter-finals against Lyon.

Earlier in the week, Fernandes earned praise from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who highlighted his importance in an interview with BBC Sport.

However, Fernandes disclosed that he received an offer to leave United in the summer and engaged in discussions with the club regarding his future.

“I met with the club because there was a proposal for me to move on,” he explained. “We discussed the options of either staying or leaving.”

“They outlined their expectations for me, and I simply wanted to know if they still viewed me as part of the club’s long-term plans. I also spoke with [Erik] Ten Hag at the time.”

“Both Ten Hag and the club were very clear that they saw me as a vital component of their rebuilding project. I believed we had the potential to achieve success together.”

The Portuguese star has now scored 15 goals this season, far outpacing his teammates, none of whom have reached double digits.

In a season that has seen Manchester United struggle, languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and facing the possibility of their worst domestic performance since the relegation campaign of 1973-74, it’s clear the team would have been in even greater turmoil had Fernandes’ summer discussions led to a different outcome, especially with interest from clubs like Bayern Munich.

Following Ten Hag’s dismissal in October, Fernandes’ compatriot Ruben Amorim took over as manager, but the team’s fortunes have yet to improve.

Last month, club legend Roy Keane, a former captain, criticized Fernandes, stating that “talent alone isn’t enough” and questioning his fighting spirit.

Even Amorim, after Fernandes’ standout Europa League performance, suggested that his captain should rely more on his teammates.

Fernandes responded to Keane’s comments, saying, “Roy Keane was an exceptional captain for this club, widely regarded as one of the greatest. Everyone speaks highly of him.”

“I didn’t get to watch much of his career, only his later years, but he was an incredible player who achieved everything here. He’s deeply respected, and I hold him in high regard.”

“He’s entitled to share his views on a show, and that’s his opinion of me.”

“I’m not trying to emulate anyone. My goal is to be the best leader I can be for my teammates and support everyone in the way I know best.”