Bruno Fernandes has scored 95 goals in 277 appearances since joining Manchester United from Sporting in 2020.
Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim says he has made it clear to Bruno Fernandes that he will not be allowed to leave the club this summer.
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Captain Fernandes – who extended his contract until 2027 last August – has been United’s star player this season.
Over the weekend, reports surfaced linking the 30-year-old to a move to Real Madrid. “No, it’s not going to happen,” Amorim said when asked about the rumours at the press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at The City Ground.
When asked how he could be so sure, the former Sporting manager added:
“He’s not going anywhere, because I’ve already told him.”
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That was the familiar twinkle in Amorim’s eye when he delivered the message – suggesting that he took it with a touch of humor.
Fernandes has scored 16 goals across all competitions this season, while no other United player has reached double figures. In the week before the last international break, Fernandes scored five goals, including a hat-trick in the Europa League’s round of 16 against Real Sociedad.
Only Mohamed Salah (54) and Erling Haaland (33) have more than Fernandes’ combined 31 goals and assists in the Premier League this season.
United have struggled in the league and are in 13th place before facing third-placed Nottingham Forest.
‘We need more Brunos’ – Fernandes ‘takes responsibility all the time’ for United
Amorim and predecessor Erik ten Hag have repeatedly defended Fernandes, despite criticism – not least from former United captain Roy Keane.
“I want Bruno here because, in our weakest moments this season…” Amorim said, before interrupting himself and changing his answer to seem more positive.
“We want to win the Premier League again, so we want to keep the best players. He’s 30, but still young because he plays 55 games every season and accounts for at least 30 goal points between goals and assists.”
“We are in control of the situation,” Amorim said. “But I feel he’s very happy here, because he understands what we’re trying to achieve.”
“He’s also a Manchester United supporter, so he feels it for real.”
“Sometimes the frustration you see – which everyone sees and maybe says is not good for a captain – is a sign of how much he wants this. That’s the type of player we want.”
