Manchester United have made it clear they will not sell Bruno Fernandes this summer, despite interest from Galatasaray, Juventus, and AC Milan. According to the BBC, the Turkish club was preparing a €50 million (£42.7 million) proposal, but United's hierarchy has indicated that Galatasaray are 'wasting their time' trying to prise the club captain away, as he will not be sold 'at any price'.
Fernandes' United Career and Contract Status
Fernandes, 31, joined United from Sporting in January 2019 for £47 million and is about to enter his seventh full season at Old Trafford. In that period, he has scored 107 goals and made 108 appearances in all competitions, consistently proving to be a key player through the club's ups and downs. His current contract has just 12 months remaining, with an option for a further season, and talks over an extension have so far stalled, though United's hierarchy are reportedly relaxed about the situation.
The Portuguese midfielder has previously attracted interest, including a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal last summer, which he rejected. Now, Galatasaray, Juventus, and AC Milan are the latest clubs 'ready to test United's resolve' as they seek to strengthen their midfield options before the transfer deadline. However, United have not yet received any formal offers, and Fernandes himself would 'prefer to stay' put for the foreseeable future.
Fernandes' Ambitions and Carrick's Impact
Fernandes has openly expressed his desire to win more titles with United. Speaking to ESPN in June, he said: 'Obviously, I wanted to have won more, it wasn't quite what I had expected for myself and for the club. But I had very good times. We managed to reach some finals, some of them we won, others we didn't. But my goal has always been to win the biggest competitions and the Premier League is part of it. And I still have that dream in me and I hope to achieve it.'
He is also relishing the chance to compete in the Champions League again, following United's third-place finish in the Premier League under interim manager Michael Carrick, who has since been appointed permanently. Fernandes added: 'Of course, being in the Champions League, it's the most important competition, let's say, the competition where you can play against the most important teams in the world, in Europe. And it's something that I want to do and I want to be at that level to play against the best and show that I can be at their level.'
Fernandes credits Carrick with restoring a positive atmosphere at the club, saying: 'I think he brought a very positive energy to the team, he tried to be very positive, because obviously we were in a moment of coaching transition, which is always a difficult time for the team. He tried to be positive, obviously he brought new ideas and a different way of playing, which was also important for some players to find an escape to be protagonists again. And it's been good, obviously, because the results demonstrate that too. We hope that we will continue to do so.'
Transfer Window Outlook
With the transfer deadline approaching, United's stance appears firm, and no formal bids have been lodged. The club's relaxed attitude toward Fernandes' contract situation suggests they are confident of reaching an agreement, though no extension has been announced. For now, Fernandes remains a United player, and the club's refusal to entertain offers underscores their commitment to keeping their captain.
