Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Major Man Utd star leaves exit door ajar as Real Madrid lurk over big-money transfer swoop

Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Manchester United, July 2022

Bruno Fernandes has reportedly not closed the door on a surprise departure from Manchester United, amid claims Real Madrid are ready to reignite their interest.

Fernandes has been one of United’s most influential assets since he joined from Sporting Lisbon in 2020. That he was following the path of United great Cristiano Ronaldo meant there was a lot of pressure on him.

Fernandes took to the move to Old Trafford like a duck to water, though. In 14 Premier League games in his first season, he scored eight goals and provided seven assists.

The following season was his best in terms of goals and assists in a United shirt. In the league, he scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists.

In 146 games for the Red Devils, Fernandes has been directly involved in 95 goals.

It has been clear throughout his time at the club that he has been one of the best players, not only at United, but in the Premier League.

Even when the rest of the side have struggled, he has performed. Indeed, last season, United finished in sixth place under Ralf Rangnick, well below the top four.

However, Fernandes was still a shining light for the side, with 10 goals and six assists.

Real interested in Fernandes swoop

United are in a decent position to succeed this season. They are currently fifth in the Premier League, only three points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, with a game in hand over them.

Ronaldo leaving could mean the other stars are needed to pull their weight a bit more. However, he had not played all too much this season, so that should not be a major issue.

Recent reports have stated that Fernandes could also be in line for a shock move, though.

Indeed, Record has highlighted interest from Real Madrid. They suggest the Spanish giants have been interested since the midfielder was at Sporting.

They could ‘soon be back’ for him, too. That he is performing so well in the World Cup will be one reason for Real potentially reigniting their interest.

Indeed, Fernandes has contributed to four goals in two games so far at the tournament for Portugal.

Door ajar for Fernandes to leave United

Real are apparently ‘among’ the European sides that hold an interest in him.

While it would seem he is happy at United, he might well have left the door ajar for a move. The report does state that Fernandes is ‘satisfied and complete’ at Old Trafford.

However, he ‘doesn’t close the door to a step forward’ in his career. A move from United to Real might well represent strides forward.

Indeed, the La Liga side won the Champions League last season, and are through to this season’s knockouts, while United are plying their trade in the Europa League.

As such, if Real were to approach United, there is a chance Fernandes would want to say goodbye to the English side in order to pursue a better chance at success.

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