Bruno Fernandes has indicated that he is open to leaving Manchester United if the club believes his departure would benefit their financial and sporting restructuring, especially in the wake of their disappointing Europa League final defeat.
Brennan Johnson’s game-winning goal helped Manchester United lose 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final in Bilbao on Wednesday, marking yet another low point in the team’s season. The outcome increased the strain on the coaching staff and club hierarchy, casting doubt on the future of numerous important individuals, including Fernandes.
The Portuguese playmaker, who has captained United during a turbulent campaign, indicated he would not oppose an exit if the club sees a benefit in transferring him for financial gain.
“I’ve always been transparent with the club,” Fernandes stated. “My stance has never changed—I’ll remain here until the club decides otherwise. I still have a strong desire to contribute more and help restore the glory days of this institution. But if the club determines it’s time to move on—whether for financial reasons or otherwise—then that’s the nature of football. Nothing is guaranteed.”
The 30-year-old’s remarks come amid mounting pressure to overhaul the playing squad and navigate ongoing financial limitations. United’s sporting project under manager Ruben Amorim has yet to yield tangible results, intensifying speculation about potential major changes this summer.
Bruno Fernandes has been one of United’s few bright spots this season, though he struggled to leave his mark during Wednesday’s final at San Mames Stadium.
Reflecting on the defeat, the midfielder didn’t hide his disappointment.
“We were desperate to lift this trophy,” he admitted. “This is a painful defeat because we had been performing well throughout the competition. But unfortunately, today—the most critical day—didn’t go our way. It was our moment to etch ourselves into Europa League history, but football can be brutal. This time, we were on the wrong side of it.”
Having joined the club in 2020, Fernandes has been an influential figure both on and off the pitch, but the mood within Old Trafford has soured under Amorim’s stewardship.
The Portuguese manager, appointed in November, has overseen just six league victories, leaving United languishing in 16th place—their worst performance since the days preceding their 1974 relegation.
Despite the team’s struggles, Bruno Fernandes reaffirmed his belief in Amorim’s leadership.
“All of us in the squad are united behind the manager,” said Fernandes. “He’s brought positive changes, even if the results don’t yet reflect it. While managers are often judged solely by outcomes, we as players witness the broader impact he’s having. We believe he is the right person to take this club forward—bringing back positivity and pushing us to challenge for major trophies again.”
Fernandes’ ambiguous comments reveal a team that is likely to undergo change, with the manager and captain now openly admitting that drastic choices may be in store as conjecture about United’s future grows into the summer.
