Manchester United manager has a message for Fernandes: 'He's not going anywhere'

Manchester United faced Nottingham Forest at 21:00 in a closely watched Premier League clash, securing a dominant 3-0 win that briefly shifted attention away from the swirling transfer rumors involving Bruno Fernandes.

Despite the comprehensive victory, much of the focus remained on Fernandes and his future at Old Trafford amid persistent speculation linking him with a high-profile move to Real Madrid.

The performance against Nottingham Forest was a testament to the progress Manchester United has made under the leadership of manager Rúben Amorim. Yet, it was Fernandes' name that dominated post-match discussions. The Portuguese playmaker, who has been at the heart of Manchester United’s midfield since his arrival from Sporting CP in January 2020, continues to attract interest from top European clubs, with Real Madrid reportedly among the keenest suitors.

Manager Rúben Amorim, however, was adamant that Fernandes would not be leaving the club anytime soon. Speaking candidly to the media before the Nottingham Forest encounter, Amorim made it abundantly clear that Fernandes, who has a contract running until mid-2027, remains a vital part of his long-term plans to restore Manchester United to its former glory.

“No, it’s not going to happen,” Amorim stated firmly when asked about the possibility of Fernandes leaving. The Portuguese midfielder, renowned for his creativity, leadership, and consistent performances, has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most influential players. Reports linking him to Real Madrid have only intensified in recent weeks, but Amorim has shown no willingness to entertain the idea of losing his star player.

“I want Bruno to stay here because we want to win the Premier League, and for that, we need the best players,” Amorim continued. “He plays at least 55 games every season, is incredibly fit, and contributes a minimum of thirty goals and assists per season. So, he’s not going anywhere.”

The statistics back up Amorim’s claims. Since joining Manchester United, Fernandes has consistently delivered high-level performances, proving to be a reliable creative force and a dependable leader on the pitch. His influence extends beyond goals and assists; his intensity, tactical intelligence, and vocal presence have made him a natural leader in the squad.

When pressed about his confidence that Fernandes would remain committed to Manchester United, Amorim responded decisively. “We have control over the situation, and I feel he’s very happy here,” he asserted. Despite occasional moments of frustration displayed by Fernandes on the field—behavior that some critics have labeled as unbecoming of a captain Amorim views such displays as evidence of the player’s hunger for success.

“That’s a sign that he wants this success so badly. He’s not going anywhere. I’ve already told him that,” Amorim said, dismissing any notion that Fernandes might be considering a move away from Manchester United.

Amorim’s words are backed by Manchester United’s management, who appear equally committed to retaining Fernandes as a central figure in the club’s ambitious rebuild. With a contract that runs until 2027, the club holds a strong position in negotiations. Amorim’s emphasis on Fernandes’ contribution, both statistically and through his leadership qualities, underscores how crucial the Portuguese international is to United’s aspirations.

Fernandes has been a cornerstone of Manchester United’s midfield since joining from Sporting CP. His arrival provided an instant lift to the team, with his creativity and tenacity helping the Red Devils secure important victories both domestically and in European competitions. Under Amorim’s guidance, Fernandes has continued to flourish, displaying consistency and resilience even during challenging periods for the club.

Despite interest from top European clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United has shown no willingness to entertain offers for their star midfielder. Amorim’s public declaration of Fernandes’ importance sends a clear message to potential suitors: Bruno Fernandes is a non-negotiable part of Manchester United’s plans for the future.

The 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest only reinforced Manchester United’s upward trajectory under Amorim’s management. Fernandes played a crucial role in the victory, providing an assist and orchestrating play with his usual flair and intensity. His performance further validated Amorim’s assertion that Fernandes remains committed to the club and focused on achieving success.

Amper Prijzen (Barely Any Trophies) Despite Fernandes’ individual brilliance, Manchester United’s trophy cabinet has remained relatively empty in recent years. Since his arrival in January 2020, the club has only managed to secure two significant pieces of silverware under the now-dismissed manager Erik ten Hag: the League Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.

The lack of trophies has been a point of contention among fans and pundits alike, especially given the high expectations placed on the club and its talented squad. Manchester United currently sits in a disappointing thirteenth place in the Premier League, far from the title race and struggling to find consistent form in the league.

The Europa League represents the only realistic opportunity for silverware this season. Manchester United’s path to glory in the competition begins with a challenging two-legged tie against Olympique Lyon, with the first match scheduled for Thursday, April 10. Victory in the Europa League would be a much-needed boost for a club that has endured years of underachievement.

The emphasis on Fernandes’ role in the team is not just a reflection of his importance to the squad but also an acknowledgment of how much the club depends on his creativity and leadership. With Amorim’s firm stance on retaining his captain and Manchester United’s apparent readiness to resist any approaches from other clubs, the focus now shifts to ensuring that Fernandes’ contributions can lead to tangible success.

Amorim’s determination to keep Fernandes is part of a broader effort to rebuild Manchester United into a force capable of competing for major honors. The manager’s commitment to Fernandes suggests that he views the playmaker as a critical piece of his vision for the club’s future.

As the summer transfer window approaches, speculation about Fernandes’ future is unlikely to disappear entirely. However, Amorim’s unwavering support for his captain sends a clear message: Manchester United is not willing to part ways with their most influential player. Whether that resolve will be tested by lucrative offers from abroad remains to be seen, but for now, Fernandes appears to be firmly embedded in the club’s plans.

Amorim’s comments reflect a broader determination to build a Manchester United side capable of competing for top honors. With Bruno Fernandes at the heart of that project, the club is poised to challenge for silverware in the coming seasons. As they prepare for the Europa League showdown with Olympique Lyon, the focus remains on Fernandes’ leadership and ability to drive the team forward.