Bruno Fernandes has suggested that Manchester United’s senior players found it difficult to understand why the club decided to sell one of their most promising young talents over the summer.
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Erik ten Hag’s job is once again under scrutiny, but he continues to depend on a core group of young players such as Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund.
Given that Ten Hag has shown confidence in young, less experienced players during his time at the club, it was surprising that he allowed Maxi Oyedele, a highly rated prospect, to leave for Legia Warsaw this summer.
Oyedele, who had a promising loan spell at Forest Green last season, was expected by many—including Fernandes—to play a bigger role at United.
Fernandes and Oyedele were reunited on Saturday when Portugal faced Poland in the Nations League, where the young midfielder made his senior international debut.
Oyedele swapped shirts with his former teammate and skipper after the match, a reunion that Fernandes marked with a picture on Instagram accompanied by a caption which read ‘Happy to see you doing great things. You deserve all the best kid’.
Fernandes also spoke about him in his post-match interview, saying to TVP: ‘I think that Max was a really good player.
‘I think he has always been one of the players that everyone at the club thought he would be one of the ones coming through the academy and going to the first team because he has great qualities.
‘He’s a great kid, really humble, works a lot, works really hard, another one who is technically really, really good.
‘I wish him all the best, he knows he has his qualities so he came to Poland, he’s enjoying his football, that’s the most important thing for him to play a lot of minutes, now he’s in the national team so it’s a big thing for him.’
Oyedele, a midfielder, played a crucial role in Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup triumph two years ago and appeared to be on track to stay in Ten Hag’s plans after participating in pre-season.
Despite his potential, the Salford-born player, whose mother is Polish and father is Nigerian, was unexpectedly considered expendable. While United may have let him go, Legia Warsaw has certainly benefited from the decision.
On his shock exit from Old Trafford and talent, Legia manager Goncalo Feio said: ‘Oyedele’s quality on the ball, his character in retaining possession and his tactical awareness when to dribble or play simply are significant attributes.
‘Bruno even remarked he was stunned regarding United’s decision to sell him – given Oyedele’s showing during pre-season.
‘His physical readiness, agility and ability to use his body effectively are top-notch.
‘While fans love to see what he can do with the ball, Maxi brings physicality to our midfield.
‘It’s our responsibility to foster his development. Polish football stands to gain immensely from his talent.’
