Bruno Fernandes Eyeing Departure from Manchester United in 2026

Reported by The Sun,

Teammates speculate that Bruno Fernandes will leave Old Trafford in 2026, bringing an end to his seven-year tenure with Manchester United. There is a growing sentiment among players that he has become disillusioned with the ongoing turmoil at the club.

The 31-year-old Portuguese international has been United’s standout performer since joining in January 2020. His current contract runs until June 2027, making this summer a crucial opportunity for the club to potentially transfer the playmaker and recoup the initial £47 million ($62.9 million) fee paid to Sporting Lisbon.

Fernandes had previously acknowledged in November that former manager Ruben Amorim had encouraged him to remain at the club last summer, despite the club’s inclination for him to depart. With Amorim recently dismissed and uncertainty surrounding the managerial situation, sources indicate that Fernandes may be contemplating his future at Old Trafford.

A source shared with The Sun stated, “Some of the squad think Bruno has had enough, and honestly, they don’t blame him. He consistently gives 100 percent and has been the club’s best player since he arrived. However, they believe he feels let down by the new ownership model, and Amorim’s departure hasn’t helped. While he’s unlikely to pursue a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia due to his love for the game, it’s clear that he has devoted himself fully to Manchester United since day one.

“No one wants him to leave, but his teammates would understand if he decided to move on.”

Fernandes’ desire to leave is thought to stem from the club’s previous willingness to let him go last summer, an experience that reportedly left him feeling hurt. In a candid interview with Canal 11, he expressed, “From the club’s side, it felt a bit like, ‘if you leave, it’s not so bad for us.’ This hurts me.

“More than hurting, it makes me sad because I’m a player who has nothing to criticize. I’m always available, I always play, regardless of performance. I give my all. But it reaches a point where, for them, money seems to matter more than loyalty.

“The club wanted me to leave; I have that in my mind. I communicated this to the directors, but it appeared they lacked the courage to make that decision since the manager wanted me to stay. If I had insisted on leaving, they would have allowed it.

“Recently, I feel like I’m on thin ice. In England, when a player approaches 30, there’s pressure to revamp the team. Loyalty is not regarded the same way it used to be.

“I could have left in the last transfer window and earned significantly more money. I was close to departing a year ago – though I won’t disclose where – but I would have won several trophies that season. I chose to stay for family reasons, but also out of genuine love for the club. My conversation with the manager played a key role in my decision to remain.”

Fernandes is reported to have a £57 million ($76 million) release clause in his contract that activates for overseas clubs next summer. While he has stated that he will focus on his future only after the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, his teammates are reportedly already convinced he has made up his mind.

Recently returning from three matches sidelined by a hamstring injury, Fernandes has scored 103 goals and provided 94 assists during his time at United, including five goals and eight assists this season alone. His departure in 2026 would undoubtedly leave a significant void in the team.