90min

Bruno Fernandes reveals the transfer demand he made to Man Utd

  • Bruno Fernandes flirted with Man Utd exit before signing new contract
  • Portugal international reveals he wanted Red Devils to improve squad during summer window
  • Fernandes has won FA Cup and Carabao Cup during his time at Old Trafford

By Jude Summerfield

Fernandes' United started the league season with victory over Fulham
Fernandes' United started the league season with victory over Fulham / Michael Regan/GettyImages
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Bruno Fernandes has revealed he was keen for Manchester United to make sweeping improvements to their playing squad before signing a new contract.

Mumblings of discontent came from the Portugal international towards the end of last season when he admitted he could leave the Red Devils if they wanted to rebuild without him. However, the attacking midfielder has since signed a new three-year contract at Old Trafford.

United could only finish eighth last term - their worst return in the Premier League era - meaning they will not play in the Champions League this year despite salvaging their 2023/24 campaign with a rousing FA Cup victory over Manchester City that helped manager Erik ten Hag keep his job.

New co-owners INEOS have been busy during the summer transfer window, bringing in Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, and Fernandes has admitted he is happy to see United making clear progress off the pitch.

Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes is into his sixth season at United / David Rogers/GettyImages

He told the club's website: "The club knew that I want to compete with the best teams. They knew that we needed to improve the team. And I think that we're doing that.

"Obviously, I said to them: 'I don't need you to promise me that we're going to win the league'. Because no-one can promise that. But at least that we will have a team to compete and be competitive through the season, to try to achieve silverware and to compete in the highest levels.

"I think the club is doing that. It's trying to bring people in to get more players with quality in the team; to get more competitive, [so everyone is] fighting for your place.

"But my first choice was always to stay at the club. It was not even demands, but the things that I wanted to see: the club going forward, [so] I could see a future on that. To be honest, I look now and I see that the club is making an effort for that."

Fernandes started United's Premier League opener last Friday as Zirkzee scored a late winner in the 1-0 success over Fulham.

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