Despite producing a brand of often awe-inspiring playmaking in the world’s most competitive division, Bruno Fernandes remains a target of daily criticism, notwithstanding his unwavering loyalty to Manchester United.
His dedication to the badge is regularly overlooked, with an endless focus instead fixated on everything from petulance to misplaced passes.
Still, having endured another agonising campaign with a 15th-place Premier League finish, the Portuguese star became the focus of a multi-million-pound pursuit from Saudi outfit Al-Hilal.
With a reported fee of over £100 million on offer to the 20-time English champions and a salary in the region of £200m for the former Sporting star, few would have begrudged the man a monumental payday.
However, Bruno is no ordinary superstar in this mercenary-laden modern game, and he ultimately rejected the staggering proposal to maintain his standing in the North West.
At a time when several of his teammates continued to mollycoddle with the prospects of retaining an unrealistic weekly wage, a clear-cut rejection of money over football rejuvenated an anxious fan base.
While Ruben Amorim embarks on his ambitious venture at Old Trafford, Fernandes’ commitment to Manchester United is a must-have character during a mammoth rebuild.
Bruno Fernandes | Loyalty and a distinguished character for Manchester United
We often speak about defining moments during a managerial tenure, whether a specific signing or an injury-time winner in a derby. For me, retaining Bruno highlighted a resounding belief in his dressing room.
The arrival of Matheus Cunha offered a splendid tonic alongside the successful pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo. Both are proven domestic success stories with a track record of scoring goals.
However, nothing in football is guaranteed, and while the duo possesses the capabilities to redefine Amorim’s attack, the certainty supplied by his compatriot elevated morale.
Say what you will about an ability to reprogram his forward-thinking tendencies to model a midfield pairing. Ruben believes it is possible, so, as a supporter, it would be wise to support that decision.
Still, opting to remain in Manchester speaks volumes about his character and determination to persevere with the project that has often brought him to tears since he arrived in Manchester in January 2020.
Recall his open letter to the Old Trafford faithful over 12 months ago. This club is no flash in the pan for the Maia man; he craves an opportunity to restore pride at M16.
“I love to step out at Old Trafford more than anything in the world. I don’t want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream,” he penned in The Players’ Tribune.
“I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club. If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing.
“We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals. That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve. I just want to keep fighting. I want to be here.”
Premier League-proven attackers who have joined Manchester United over current Champions League-placed teams are a valuable asset for Amorim and his esteemed backroom team.
But a 31-year-old genius, with plenty of astonishing output remaining, declining a career-defining fortune to persist with his ambitions at the club is something entirely different.
I could generate charts to highlight his endless array of goals and assists, or how his chance creation is among the best in the world, but begrudgers will not hear otherwise.
Regardless, the figures currently stand at 63 goals and 51 assists from 198 Premier League appearances.
Truthfully, as a supporter, I want nothing but the best for the team, and for me, the prospect of retaining our captain is worth far more than the potential transfer fee.
Few players are perfect, and although some will point to an underwhelming Europa League final as evidence of failure, Bruno is the walking, talking definition of a leader.
Although the debate about his suitability will inevitably continue, his loyalty at this time deserves our absolute recognition. For that, I extend my gratitude to him for supplying this neglected football club with his best years.
Feel free to let us know your thoughts about our Captain Magnifico in the comments or on our social channels.
Primary image by the brilliant utdarts.com
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