- Bruno Fernandes reveals he considered leaving Manchester United last summer after receiving an offer.
- The Portuguese midfielder starred with a hat-trick against Real Sociedad to secure a Europa League quarter-final spot.
- Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe praised Fernandes, highlighting his importance to the club.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he had the opportunity to leave the club last summer.
The 30-year-old was the standout performer on Thursday night, netting a hat-trick to help United secure a Europa League quarter-final clash against Lyon with a victory over Real Sociedad.
Fernandes, who was recently praised by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in an interview with BBC Sport, confirmed that he received an offer during the summer and held discussions with the club regarding his future.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- 7 Fruits You Should Not Eat On Empty Stomach
- Dr. Alausa Champions Innovation and Collaboration in Education
- Ondo Doctor Dies of Lassa Fever After Returning from UK
“I sat with the club because I had an offer to leave,” he said. “We talked about the possibility of me leaving the club or staying.
“They said what they wanted from me. I just asked if they still see me as part of the future of the club or not. I spoke at the time with (Erik) Ten Hag also.
“He was very clear with me, the club was very clear with me, that they thought I would be a big part of this rebuild. I thought that we could be successful.”
The Portuguese international has now scored 15 goals this season, a tally unmatched by any of his teammates, none of whom have reached double figures.
United’s struggles have been glaring, with the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and edging toward their worst domestic campaign since the infamous 1973-74 relegation season.
Had Fernandes chosen to leave last summer amid interest from Bayern Munich and other clubs, their situation could have been even more dire.
Since Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October, fellow Portuguese Ruben Amorim has taken charge, but United’s fortunes have failed to improve.
Last month, club legend Roy Keane criticized Fernandes, stating that “talent is not enough” and questioning his fighting spirit. Even Amorim, despite praising his captain’s Europa League heroics, urged Fernandes to have more faith in his teammates.
“Roy Keane was an amazing captain for the club, one of the best as everyone says,” said Fernandes.
FURTHER READING
- Man Murders Wife, Hides in Ceiling to Evade Arrest
- Yellow Aboki, Close Ally of Late Bandit Kingpin Bamamu, Eliminated in Zamfara
- ‘We Inherited a Mess’ – Ratcliffe Criticizes Man United Players
“I didn’t have the chance to see much from him, only the last few years, but he was a great player that won everything for the club. He’s massively respected from everyone and has all my respect.
“He has to give his opinion in a programme and this is what he thinks about me.
“I don’t want to copy anyone. I try to be the best captain that I can for my team-mates and help everyone in the best way I know.”
Watch Our Video Of The Week
