Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is not expected to have his head turned by the transfer interest from Real Madrid.
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Fernandes is busy playing for Portugal at the World Cup in Qatar where he starred in their 2-0 victory over Uruguay on Monday. The midfielder was credited with both of his team’s goals to send them into the last 16 with a game to spare.
But with the January window now only a month ago, speculation has begun, with the World Cup magnifying in-demand players. Reports in Portugal claim Real have reignited their interest in Fernandes, who they wanted to sign while he was still at Sporting.
Portuguese outlet Record says that Fernandes is ‘complete and satisfied’ at Old Trafford but has not closed the door on a transfer if it means taking his career to the next level.
United have not won a single trophy in five years, since scooping the Europa League in 2017, long before Fernandes arrived.
By contrast, Real are the current defending champions in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League – a competition they have won five times in the past nine years. They are arguably in need of a new Galatico, with players like Karim Benzema, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos nearing the end of their careers.
Fernandes is a key part of Erik ten Hag’s team, having contributed 53 goals and 42 assists in 146 appearances across all competitions since he joined the club in January 2020. He has regularly captained the team this season when Harry Maguire has not started.
He holds a similar status with Portugal, where he vies with former Manchester United and Real superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for supremacy.
The 28-year-old is still under contract with United until June 2026, having signed a contract extension back in April, when he expressed happiness at his current situation.
“From the moment that I joined Manchester United, I have had a special relationship with the club and our amazing fans. I grew up watching this team, dreaming of getting the chance to play here one day,” he told the club website.
“That dream is now a reality and an honour. Even after two years, it still feels amazing to step out at Old Trafford, to hear the fans sing my song and to score in front of the Stretford End. It is a true privilege to wear this shirt and to fight for our incredible club.
“There is so much more that I want to achieve here, and I know that is the same for the rest of the squad and staff. More than anything, we want to give the fans the success that they deserve. We have shared some great moments over the last years, but the best is yet to come from myself and this team.”
