Bruno Fernandes’ future has stopped being just a behind-the-scenes topic and has become a real concern inside and outside Old Trafford. Rumors about a possible exit for the Manchester United captain have gained traction in England and Portugal following the departure of Ruben Amorim, the coach who, in the player’s own words, was decisive in keeping him at the club. These days, what’s being whispered around United is that Bruno feels frustrated, worn down and unable to see sporting progress, a dangerous feeling when it comes from the most consistent and committed player in the squad since 2020.
Information published by the English newspaper The Sun suggests that teammates believe Bruno could leave the club at the end of the season. Not because of a lack of connection, but because of exhaustion. Internally, some acknowledge that he has “given everything he had” and that no one would blame him for choosing a different path.
The weight of staying when the club seemed open to letting him go
At the start of the season, Bruno Fernandes received three major offers from Saudi soccer, coming from Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ittihad. The figures were enough to guarantee around €200 million over the course of the contract. He said no, because Ruben Amorim wanted him in Manchester.
In an interview with Canal 11 in December, the Portuguese midfielder was blunt about how he felt at the time: “Manchester United wanted me to leave, I have that in my head. I think they didn’t have the courage because Ruben Amorim wanted me here, but from the club’s side I felt that if I left, it wouldn’t be that bad.” The quote carries weight because it exposes an open wound. It’s not just about turning down offers, but about the feeling of not being treated as a central piece by the board.
He returned to the subject even more clearly when he said: “From the club’s point of view, I felt it was something like, ‘If you leave, it won’t be that bad for us.’” He added: “That hurts me a bit… I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision, since the coach wanted me.” Without Amorim, that emotional safety net simply isn’t there anymore.
Fatigue, management and a decision that feels closer by the day
The club’s management under Jim Ratcliffe also plays into the dissatisfaction. The administrative model and the lack of sporting clarity haven’t pleased the No. 8. Bruno is 31, under contract until 2027 and fully aware of his own value. He knows it’s not normal for a player to give so much for so long in an unstable environment without sporting returns.
While interest from Saudi Arabia is still mentioned, people close to the player say he doesn’t see himself heading there right now. Bruno is described as a soccer purist, someone who still wants to compete at the highest level. Even so, turning down a £100 million offer from Al Hilal last summer doesn’t mean that door is permanently closed, only that the context has to make sense.
The Sun also recalled that the player has said he doesn’t plan to make any decision before the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Even so, some teammates believe the decision has already been taking shape. A source quoted by The Sun summed up the mood in the locker room: “Some players in the squad think Bruno has given everything he had and, to be honest, they don’t blame him.” The source added: “He always gives 100% and has been the club’s best player since he arrived.”