Bruno Fernandes reveals why he chose to stay at Manchester United despite struggles in 2026

Bruno Fernandes explains his decision to remain at Manchester United amid financial offers and club struggles, aiming to lift trophies.

Shared history of United captains Wayne Rooney never shared the pitch with Bruno Fernandes during their time as Manchester United captains. Their paths crossed only once, in an FA Cup encounter between Derby County and United at Pride Park in March 2020. The away side won 3-0, with Rooney’s free-kick stopped by Sergio Romero as the taker believed it was destined for the net.

Childhood moment that shaped Fernandes A pivotal moment in their lives occurred one evening in June 2004 during Euro 2004. Rooney, the teenage sensation of the England team, suffered a broken foot in the quarter-final against Portugal. The hosts advanced after a penalty shootout. Nine-year-old Fernandes, a football-obsessed boy from northern Portugal, watched the match in Lisbon, celebrating Portugal’s victory with his cousins in the streets. Rooney, meanwhile, recalled watching the game on a small television in a Portuguese hospital, still wearing his England kit.

Rooney and Fernandes reflect on their careers During a 40-minute discussion for The Wayne Rooney Show, the mutual respect between the two United legends became evident. Together, they have made 881 appearances for the club. Rooney holds the record for most goals with 253, while Fernandes is widely regarded as the standout signing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. If Fernandes delivers three assists in the final five matches of the 2025-26 season, he will surpass the Premier League record of 20 assists in a single campaign.

Rooney endorses Fernandes for player awards Rooney, who won both the players’ and writers’ Player of the Year awards in 2010, believes Fernandes deserves the same recognition now. He sees Fernandes as a perfect example for his teammates. "It's a huge privilege to be in the conversation," Fernandes said, acknowledging the strong competition, particularly from Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Gabriel. "You can say as many times as you want that you want to win trophies collectively. That is true. But these individual accolades are always nice on the personal side."

Saudi offer and family decision to stay At the end of the 2024-25 season, club officials informed Fernandes they would not block a move if he received a substantial offer from Saudi Pro-League side Al Hilal. Fernandes admitted feeling hurt by the situation. After consulting with his family, he chose to remain at United, much like Rooney did in 2010 when top European clubs pursued him. "I stayed because I thought I still had something that I can give back to the club," Fernandes explained. "The Saudi situation, with the money.. there was a lot. The good thing I have in my family is that my wife is pretty down to earth like me."

Rooney’s perspective on club loyalty Fernandes highlighted the importance of not leaving the club during tough times, especially after a 15th-place finish the previous season, United’s lowest since their 1973-74 relegation. "I didn’t want to leave the club at the point where we were struggling," he stated. With one year remaining on his contract, questions remain about his future at Old Trafford, though his performances this season suggest a new deal is likely, despite co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s efforts to reduce wage expenses.

Fernandes’ trophy ambitions remain strong Despite scoring 106 goals in 322 appearances for United since joining in January 2020, Fernandes has claimed only one FA Cup and one League Cup. His focus remains unwavering on bigger prizes. "I want to win the Premier League," he declared. "I want to win the Champions League. I never hide from that."

Rooney praises Fernandes’ growing influence Rooney, now working with Ruben Amorim after his dismissal in January, has seen firsthand Fernandes’ impact as captain. Fernandes has worked with Michael Carrick, both under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and during Carrick’s brief interim tenure. "He had three games as a manager," Fernandes noted. "The way he prepared for the games and the way he spoke to us made you think he was more than an assistant manager. He was ready for the next step."

United’s unexpected rise under Carrick Carrick’s appointment marked a turning point for United. "When he came in, he had the positive energy the team needed," Fernandes recalled. "Not just nice words but when he needed something stronger, or something softer, something to bring the team together. That was not just important for the team but the whole environment. We weren’t thinking about what could have been or what we should have done."

United on the brink of Champions League return With a maximum of six points required from the final five games to secure a Champions League spot, United’s challenge remains intense. A win against Brentford on Monday would reduce the requirement to two points from four. "When Michael came in, we never thought at this moment, we would be third," Fernandes said, reflecting on the team’s unexpected rise.

Rooney donates his shirt to Fernandes Rooney and Fernandes faced each other only once, but their bond extends beyond the pitch. After the Pride Park match in 2020, Fernandes received Rooney’s shirt as a gift, thanks to an assist from Juan Mata. "I asked Juan to get it for me," Fernandes shared. "I tried to bring it but it is already in Portugal to go in my museum. It’s a Derby one, not a United one, but still."

Rooney reflects on missed opportunities Rooney described the moment as frustrating, acknowledging a well-struck free-kick that Romero saved. "I hit it really well and Romero’s pulled off a worldie save," he admitted. Their conversation touched on deeper themes, including the challenges of leadership, media scrutiny, and the responsibility of speaking to fans during difficult times.

International pride and future hopes The discussion shifted to international football, revisiting Euro 2004 and Rooney’s red card in the 2006 World Cup, which he called "two of my worst nights of football." Fernandes then turned to the upcoming World Cup, expressing hope that Portugal could win with Cristiano Ronaldo still playing. "Wrapping up all this last World Cup with Cristiano winning it would be something amazing," he said.

Rooney’s support for Portugal Though Rooney supports England, he expressed admiration for Portugal’s chances. "I would love to see you and Cristiano win the World Cup," he told Fernandes. "Go and enjoy it. Have fun. And I hope you do well."