Bruno Fernandes secured dream move to Manchester United after being upset over failed Tottenham signing – could now be highest paid player
There haven't been many more impressive players in the Premier League in recent seasons than Bruno Fernandes.
Manchester United They signed the midfielder in January 2020 and he became an instant hit, scoring eight goals in 14 games. Premier League matches of that season.
But in London, one club has watched with envy as Fernandes has become a fan favourite.
This is because Tottenham They came close to signing the Portuguese international from Sporting in the previous transfer window, but the move fell through.
Fernandes was furious about the failed transfer but eventually landed his dream move by joining one of Europe's most glamorous clubs.
He said The athletic in 2022: “Obviously I wanted to go to the Premier League.
“Coach Mauricio Pochettino was the one who wanted me there. It was a good offer but Sporting did everything possible to keep me.
“The president (Frederico Varandas) spoke to me but he spoke to me on the wrong day.
“It was the day after they decided to reject Tottenham's offer and I was very angry.
“Luckily for me, the coach (Marcel Keizer) was the right one at the right time.
“At the beginning of January, my agent told me: 'You don't have to worry, because every time I bring you a club, it will be the club of your dreams'. I knew that the club of your dreams was Manchester United.”
And it has turned out to be a great move, instantly becoming a hero at United and one of the first names in the team's line-up.
2
Manager Erik ten Hag named the 28-year-old as the club's new captain, taking the armband from Harry Maguire in the process.
The midfielder takes free kicks, corner kicks and penalties, and has a penchant for fantastic goals as well as possessing incredible vision.
His goals and assists have helped the club to a top-four finish in three of his five seasons at Old Trafford, although he has had his critics, particularly in light of United's poor finishing position last season.
The team finished eighth with a negative goal difference, their worst finish since 1990 and the first time since then that they had conceded more goals than they had scored. They also finished bottom of their Champions League group, although they did win the FA Cup.
Fernandes, who will turn 30 in September, is also He is expected to extend his current contractwhich expires in 2026 for one more year and will likely be rewarded handsomely.
Any new deal he signs is likely to give him equal pay with Marcus Rashford, United's highest-paid player, who is believed to be earning around £350,000 a week.
It is a radical change, given that some fans feared his dream would come to an early end. In May 2024, he said of his future: “I just want my expectations to match the expectations of the club,” he said before the match. Victory in the FA Cup final about Manchester City.
“If you talk to any fan, they'll tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league. We want to play in the Champions League. We want to be in the cup finals.
“That's the norm. That's what I want. That's what you all deserve.”
Tottenham, meanwhile, have clearly lacked a midfielder with as much offensive production in that time period.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp and Rodrigo Bentancur have their assets, but they arguably don't come close to matching what Fernandes can do.
And several other midfielders have been snubbed in the meantime, including Yves Bissouma, Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso.
However, Ange Postecoglou hopes things are turning around in north London and will be praying that James Maddison stays fit.
Read more transfer stories on talkSPORT.com…
