Highlights
- Bruno Fernandes was ready to leave Manchester United this summer.
- Fernandes felt his salary didn’t match the top earners at the club.
- Manchester United’s lack of success caused Fernandes to consider leaving.
- Ineos stepped in and offered Fernandes a significant salary boost.
- Fernandes signed a contract extension until 2027, staying at Old Trafford.
In the summer of 2024, Manchester United faced a potential upheaval as their captain and talisman, Bruno Fernandes, contemplated an exit from Old Trafford.
The Portuguese midfielder, who had been instrumental in the team’s performances since his arrival in January 2020, was reportedly dissatisfied with his remuneration, especially when compared to some of the club’s top earners like Marcus Rashford and Casemiro.
This disparity, coupled with the club’s struggles to consistently compete for top honors, led Fernandes to consider his future with the Red Devils.
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Fernandes’ contract at the time was set to run until 2026, with an option for an additional year. Despite this, the midfielder felt that his contributions on the pitch warranted a salary that reflected his importance to the team.
The situation reached a point where Fernandes was seriously contemplating a move away from Manchester, with offers from clubs like Al-Hilal and Bayern Munich on the table. However, his desire to achieve success with United made the decision to leave a difficult one.
In an interview during that period, Fernandes expressed his frustration, stating, “I don’t want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream. I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club.” He further emphasized that the fans shared his ambition of competing at the highest levels and fighting for trophies.
The lack of clear signs of improvement and commitment to these goals from the club’s hierarchy left Fernandes contemplating his future.
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The turning point in this saga came with the intervention of Ineos, the British multinational chemicals company, which had recently acquired a significant stake in Manchester United.
Recognizing the potential fallout from losing a player of Fernandes’ caliber, Ineos played a pivotal role in renegotiating his contract.
The new deal not only extended his stay until 2027 but also placed him among the club’s highest earners, aligning his salary with his contributions on the field.
This move was seen as a significant statement of intent from the new investors, aiming to stabilize the club and retain its key assets.
Upon signing the contract extension in August 2024, Fernandes expressed his renewed optimism about the club’s direction.
He remarked, “It’s clear from my talks with the football leadership and manager how determined everyone is to fight for trophies. I can see how positive the future is, and I am excited to lead the team forward.”
This commitment from both the player and the club’s new ownership injected a fresh sense of hope among the supporters, who had been yearning for a return to the glory days.
The significance of retaining Fernandes cannot be overstated. Since his arrival, he has been a beacon of creativity and leadership on the pitch. His vision, passing accuracy, and knack for scoring crucial goals have been vital to United’s strategies.
Losing him would have been a considerable setback, both in terms of on-field performance and the message it would send to other players and potential recruits about the club’s ambitions.
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The 2024/2025 season saw Fernandes continue to play a central role in United’s campaigns. His performances were instrumental in the team’s endeavors in domestic and European competitions. However, the season was not without its challenges.
The team faced criticism from various quarters, including former players and pundits. Notably, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a significant figure in Ineos, made headlines with his candid remarks about certain players being “overpaid” and “underperforming.”
Fernandes, known for his professionalism, responded diplomatically, emphasizing the importance of proving one’s worth on the pitch and focusing on collective improvement.
The midfielder’s resilience and commitment were further tested as he navigated the pressures of captaincy.
Despite the external criticisms and internal challenges, Fernandes remained focused on his responsibilities, leading by example and maintaining high performance levels.
His dedication to the club’s cause was evident, and he continually sought to inspire his teammates to strive for excellence.
The intervention by Ineos in securing Fernandes’ future was a masterstroke that not only retained a world-class talent but also signaled the club’s intent to rebuild and compete at the highest levels.
It showcased a commitment to addressing internal issues and aligning the club’s ambitions with the expectations of its players and supporters.
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