Man Utd’s Bruno Fernandes ultimatum

Robin Bairner

Updated: 22 Jan 2026 15:46 GMT
4 min read

Bruno Fernandes, Man Utd, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Manchester United have told Bruno Fernandes that they expect him to settle his future before the World Cup to allow them to suitably plan for the future.

Article continues under the video

Transfer rumours have followed the 31-year-old Portugal international star for several years. There is interest from the Saudi Pro League, and less than a year ago he even admitted that he could leave Old Trafford.

Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, there has been a fresh wave of uncertainty over what Bruno’s plans are for the summer. These have been fuelled by the suggestion that Man Utd are weighing up an ambitious move for Chelsea star Cole Palmer.

Current ETV

Bruno Fernandes

AM, M, DM (C)

Man Utd

Bruno Fernandes

AM, M, DM (C)

Man Utd

ETV Range

€34.3M - €41.9M

United want clarity

Man Utd are seeking to be proactive in this situation, according to ESPN, with the Old Trafford side telling their captain that they expect him to inform the club of their plans before he goes off to the World Cup with Portugal.

The Red Devils will tell Bruno that they want to keep him at the club and see him as a major player going forward. But they will also give the former Sporting CP man the freedom to choose his next steps.

It is claimed there was “surprise” behind the scenes when he said in an interview published in December that he felt the club wanted him to leave last summer.

United want the issue resolved before the World Cup, with the club seeking clarity over the player’s plans so they can begin to put their own transfer policy into effect.

What did Bruno Fernandes say about Man Utd?

Bruno has previously said he felt “hurt” by Man Utd, who he feels wanted to sell him last summer.

“From the club I felt it was, 'If you go it's not so bad for us'. It hurts me a bit,” Fernandes said in comments relayed by BBC Sport.

“More than hurting me, it makes me sad. I'm a player that no-one can criticise, I'm always available, I always give my best.

“I could have left in this transfer window; I would have earned much more money.

“I would have won many trophies this season, but I decided not to go, not only for family reasons but because I genuinely love the club.”

Bruno Fernandes: I want to play at the highest level

Speaking in June, meanwhile, Bruno had taken a different stance.

“Manchester United said they didn't want to sell me,” the playmaker said. “They said if I wanted to go I could, but they didn't need the money. I spoke to coach Ruben Amorim who, throughout that period, he was pushing for me not to go.

“I want to play at the highest possible level.

“I want to play major competitions. I know I still can and I want to be happy doing the thing I love the most.

“For better or worse, this is how I see football and I'm passionate about football and this is the decision I've made.”

If Bruno still feels the same way, this points to him staying at United for another year.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store