Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim Rejects Real Madrid Interest in Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has reportedly informed Bruno Fernandes that he is not for sale, dismissing speculation linking the Portuguese playmaker to Real Madrid. The in-demand midfielder, enjoying exceptional form for the Red Devils, had attracted attention from top European clubs. Prior to the international break, the Manchester United captain had impressively scored seven goals and provided four assists in nine appearances across the Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup competitions.
Real Madrid’s Pursuit of Fernandes
Real Madrid are understood to be among several clubs monitoring the 30-year-old, widely regarded as a world-class talent in his position. Reports suggest that Los Blancos were considering the Portugal international as a potential long-term successor to Luka Modric, 39, with a purported price tag of around £90 million. However, Amorim has firmly rejected any possibility of selling his influential captain, who earns £300,000 per week and recently signed a contract extension with Manchester United in August 2024.
Amorim’s Firm Stance on Fernandes’ Future
Fernandes’ current deal commits him to the club until the summer of 2027, with an option for a further year. Amorim confirmed that he has personally discussed Fernandes’ future with the player, emphasizing that the Manchester United number 8 is not available for transfer. He stated unequivocally, “No, it’s not going to happen. He’s not going anywhere because I’ve already told him!”
The manager elaborated on his decision, saying, “I want Bruno here because we want to compete for the Premier League title once again, and we need our best players to stay. Despite being 30, he remains remarkably fresh, playing consistently around 55 games each season. His contribution of goals and assists consistently reaches at least 30 per season.”
Fernandes as Key Figure in Manchester United’s Plans
Amorim emphasized Fernandes’ importance as the type of player he wants to build the Manchester United team around: “He’s exactly the kind of player we want here, and he is not departing. We are in complete control of the situation, and I sense that he is genuinely happy at Manchester United.”
He further commented on Fernandes’ passion for the club: “Particularly because he understands our ambitions, and I believe he is a true supporter of Manchester United. He deeply cares. Sometimes, the visible frustration, which might be perceived negatively in a captain, actually demonstrates his intense desire to succeed. This is the commitment we value in our players.”
Fernandes’ Commitment to Manchester United
Reflecting on his decision to stay at Manchester United, Fernandes revealed that he had considered leaving last summer in discussions following a Europa League match against Real Sociedad where he scored a hat-trick: “I had a meeting with the club as I received an offer to leave. We discussed the option of me leaving or remaining.”
He continued, “I inquired if they still envisioned me as part of the club’s future plans. I also spoke with [Erik] Ten Hag at that time.”
“He and the club were very clear in their conviction that I would play a significant role in this rebuild. I believed in the potential for success.”