Man United have learnt their lesson after strong Bruno Fernandes statement

Manchester United have come out firing after Galatasaray prepared an audacious bid to sign their captain Bruno Fernandes this summer

What a difference 12 months makes. At the start of last summer, Manchester United were embroiled in a 'will he, won't he' transfer saga with Bruno Fernandes. Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal pulled out all the stops to sign the captain and, for a time, it looked as though United were going to cash in.

Eventually, Ruben Amorim produced perhaps his best moment as United boss when he convinced Fernandes he was still wanted at Old Trafford. For that reason, the 31-year-old stayed put, but the aftermath of the saga was still being felt heading into the new season. "From the club’s side, I felt a bit like, ‘If you leave, it’s not so bad for us’," Fernandes told Portuguese TV channel Canal 11 in December 2025. It hurts me a bit. I was valued, and what values me most has to be my club, although lately I feel like I’m on thin ice."

This revelation came just two months after Fernandes had sat down with reporters at Carrington and insisted he was confident the club wanted him to stay. "I had the conversations with Al-Hilal. Everyone is aware of that. Everyone knows that. There were also other clubs that tried after Al-Hilal, but obviously my answer wouldn't change," he said.

"To be honest, I didn't need to leave the club at the moment. I spoke with the manager, not only to Saudi, but also that's why I think with European clubs we didn't get into a point of... Because I didn't show very interest to go somewhere.

"So they a little bit felt that and they said, like, we'll be wasting our time and then it will say no in a month's time or two weeks' time. So the manager spoke with me. He said I was still part of the project. He wanted me to stay. The club said the same. And I always said that if the club was like ‘Bruno, we want to cash in, you are 30 years old. We want to make some money. We don't think you can be part of the future project’, or whatever, I would be like, OK, I have to find a solution for myself, whatever is best for me and my family. And I will leave.

"But obviously that wasn't the case. I felt that I was still part of the plan, that I could still help the club to achieve whatever was our aims. And that's what made me stay. Obviously, I have a big connection with the fans, with the club, also the country. My family feels very well here."

While United had managed to convince Fernandes he was still loved in the summer, what was clear was that the captain was still harbouring hurt feelings because of the club's initial response to interest. Fortunately, the Reds have shown this year, beyond a shadow of a doubt, they have learnt their lesson.

In an audacious move on Monday, Galatasaray attempted to lure Fernandes to Turkey with the Istanbul club looking to send a statement to their rivals. Favourable tax rates in Turkey have convinced many stars to move there this summer, including United's Andre Onana and Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, who have both signed for Trabzonspor.

Unlike last year when United allowed speculation to build, the Reds have quickly snuffed out Galatasaray's hopes of signing Fernandes. On Monday, the Reds made it clear that Fernandes is not for sale at any price and will not be leaving before the window closes on September 1.

This is the kind of strong statement United should have made last year. It leaves Fernandes in little doubt about his Old Trafford future and kills the debate around his potential exit, immediately.

Obviously, such clarity can only be afforded to certain players. But United were right to ensure Fernandes is the one who receives that certainty.

He was integral for United last season and his Premier League record for assists, set last season, will stand for a while. This season, with Champions League football back on the agenda, Fernandes can be that spark for the Reds.

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