Bruno Fernandes: I Have No Agreement to Leave Manchester United
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has dismissed rumours linking him with a move away from Old Trafford, insisting he has no plans to leave and will not hold talks about his future until after next year’s World Cup.
The 31-year-old midfielder is set to make his 300th appearance for United on Saturday as Erik ten Hag’s side look to end a poor run of three straight home defeats against Brighton. Since joining from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 for £47 million, Fernandes has missed just 17 games — only three of those due to injury or illness — underlining his remarkable consistency and fitness.
Last summer, Fernandes turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal and later dismissed further interest from clubs in both the Saudi Pro League and Europe. Despite persistent speculation, sources close to him told BBC Sport that he has no desire to move to Saudi Arabia, even though top European clubs outside England remain keen.
Reports suggest Fernandes’ current contract, which runs until 2027 with an option for an extra year, contains a £56.68 million (€65m) release clause applicable to clubs abroad if activated early. However, Fernandes insists he’s not thinking about transfers right now.
“As I’ve always said, I feel good here. I still want to achieve my dreams,” Fernandes said.
“I’ve seen a lot of people say I had an agreement to go next season. If that agreement exists, it wasn’t made with me. I haven’t spoken to anyone. My agent knows I don’t want to discuss anything until after the World Cup.”
When Al-Hilal’s interest surfaced during United’s pre-season tour of Asia, Fernandes consulted chief executive Omar Berrada, technical director Jason Wilcox, manager Ruben Amorim, Cristiano Ronaldo, and his family. Although the offer was financially staggering — potentially over £100 million, which would’ve been a record sale for United — nobody within the club encouraged him to leave.
In fact, Amorim was adamant about keeping him:
“He told me, ‘We want more players to help you. If we lose you, we lose something important,’” Fernandes recalled.
His family also played a major role in his decision to stay.
“My family feels very well here. My kids love school, and we all feel at home — maybe even more than in Portugal,” he said.
“My wife asked if I’ve achieved everything I wanted at the club. I told her no. That’s one of the reasons I’m still here — to finish what I started.”
A Captain Committed ‘Body and Soul’
Fernandes’ dedication to United goes beyond the pitch. After the club’s first win at Anfield since 2016, he was back at Carrington the next morning — watching teammates train in heavy rain after completing his own gym session.
Those close to him describe him as “committed body and soul” to the team. Personal accolades matter to him, but collective glory is his real motivation.
“Of course, I like hearing good things about me,” he admitted. “But what I really want is team success. That’s what’s missing in my time here.
I haven’t delivered the trophies this club deserves. My individual performances matter, but they won’t mean much without team achievements.”
On United’s Recruitment and New Signings
United’s transfer policy has drawn criticism, with big-money flops like Antony, Andre Onana, and Jadon Sancho leaving the club after underwhelming spells. Fernandes believes playing for United requires strong personalities, not just talent.
“At this club, we need big characters. Being a good player isn’t enough because of the pressure that comes with wearing this shirt,” he said.
“Players like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have that confidence — they want the ball, they take risks, they make things happen.”
He recalled teasing Mbeumo in training:
“Sometimes I say, ‘Bryan, you don’t need that extra touch. You did it against us when you were at Brentford — now do it for us!’”
On Kobbie Mainoo
Much has been made about Fernandes’ competition with young English midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, but the captain insists he doesn’t see it that way.
“I don’t see Kobbie as competition. He can do things I can’t, and I can do things he can’t — but together, we make the team stronger,” Fernandes explained.
“Kobbie’s very capable of playing at a high level. He makes me a better player.”
In every sense, Bruno Fernandes remains fully devoted to Manchester United — driven by unfinished business, loyal to his family’s comfort, and focused on restoring the club’s glory.
“I want to win trophies,” he concluded.
“I want to be remembered for the success I helped bring to this club — not just for my numbers.”
