United captain says the club need players who are big characters
Bruno Fernandes is getting offers to leave Manchester United next summer but won’t so much as listen to them, as the Portuguese midfielder prepares to make his 300th appearance for the club.
Fernandes will reach the landmark when United face Brighton on Saturday. The Portugal international switched to Old Trafford from Sporting CP in January 2020 for £46.5m and quickly became one of the team’s most influential players.
Now 31 and captain, Fernandes remains central to United’s plans. He insists he will not entertain any talk about his long-term future until after next summer’s World Cup.
Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal made a £100m bid during the summer but the Portuguese turned down the move to stay in Manchester.
“I’ve seen a lot of people talking that I had an agreement to go already next season,” said Fernandes. If the club has done that agreement, it wasn’t with me.
“I haven’t spoken with anyone. I could tell you that there are still people talking to me and saying that they will be very eager to have me next year, of course.
“But from my side, that’s not talked about. Because my agent also knows how I work, so if he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Because until then, I won’t speak to anyone.”
Fernandes’ contract runs until June 2028. As captain and one of the oldest players in the squad, he said he has been working to set standards on and off the pitch, as United keep trying to find their footing under Ruben Amorim. Fernandes said the club need players with a strong mentality.
“We need big characters because at this club being good players sometimes is not enough because of the pressure,” Fernandes said.
“[Matheus] Cunha has that good arrogance to do the good things. Bryan [Mbeumo], the same. He’s not afraid to take the ball, do his play.
“We brought two players who were aware of the Premier League also. And then we bought a very young goalkeeper [Senne Lammens] and a centre-forward [Benjamin Sesko], and they hit the ground flying.
“We know Ben will be judged by scoring goals or not. But apart from that, he’s been doing great. He’s got his goals already.”
