Bruno Fernandes, the star midfielder for Manchester United, recently opened up about his feelings surrounding the club’s willingness to consider his sale during the summer transfer window. In an interview with Canal 11, the Portuguese footballer expressed that he felt “hurt” by the prospect of being offloaded, especially in light of Al Hilal’s substantial £100 million offer along with a lucrative wage package that could have seen him earning around £750,000 a week.
Fernandes acknowledged that despite his pivotal contributions to the team, as United struggled financially after a disappointing season—which ended with the team finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final—his position was seemingly less secure. The club left the decision to him during that tough summer, but the implications of their interest in transferring him were deeply unsettling for the player. “From the club I felt it was, ‘If you go, it’s not so bad for us.’ It hurts me a bit,” Fernandes revealed, pointing to the emotional toll of being viewed as expendable following a lackluster campaign.
Fernandes’ reflections draw a parallel to another star player, Mohamed Salah, who recently expressed similar sentiments regarding his standing at Liverpool. Both players seem to overlook the broader context of their situations. While Salah was dropped due to declining performance, Fernandes was a central figure during a time when the club was in dire need of financial adjustments.
Currently, Fernandes showcases his talent on the field, recently scoring a stunning free-kick in a thrilling 4-4 draw against Bournemouth. Still, questions linger about his fit within the team’s system. United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, has deployed him in a deeper midfield role, which may not leverage his strengths effectively. Critics argue that had Fernandes been sold, the club might have invested the substantial transfer fee into acquiring younger, transformative players, potentially leading to a stronger squad.
Historical examples from Manchester United highlight how big-name departures can sometimes pave the way for a team’s growth. The exits of legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham did not hinder United’s success; rather, they allowed room for new talents and reinvestment. Likewise, Liverpool made a decisive choice when Barcelona came calling for Philippe Coutinho, ultimately transforming their team into Premier League champions after reinvesting wisely in critical positions.
Fernandes undeniably remains a crucial player for United, with 103 goals and 93 assists to his name since his arrival. However, his ongoing presence raises questions about the club’s strategic direction. If United had acknowledged the potential advantages of selling him, they might have been able to reshape the squad to better meet the challenges ahead.
In the end, Fernandes’ choice to remain could be celebrated by fans who value his contributions. However, recognizing the broader implications of loyalty versus pragmatism might offer him a new perspective on the dynamics between player and club.