How Manchester United engineered the Bruno Fernandes deal that included countless phone calls, private jets, disgusting videos and a New Year’s trip to Lisbon
Bruno Fernandes may be the best player Manchester United have signed in the last decade.
Fernandes, who has been an inspiration for United since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, will make his 300th appearance this weekend when he faces Ruben Amorim’s Brighton at Old Trafford. But if some at United had panicked after seeing footage of Fernandes throwing a tantrum, this milestone might never have happened.
Here’s the exclusive story of how United lured the Portugal international to Old Trafford. The move included countless phone calls, private jets and red carpets, giving Barcelona the upper hand.
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Fernandes emerged as one of Primeira Liga’s brightest talents in 2018 and caught the attention of United. And in September that year, United’s recruitment department, along with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, decided to target the midfielder the following summer.
The problem was that the Portuguese club refused to reveal the price as Sporting did not want to sell Fernandes.
But United’s then-CEO Ed Woodward remained undaunted, even though the bizarre meeting at Carrington threatened to ruin Fernandes’ future transfer.
United’s head of recruitment played a video to everyone in attendance of Fernandes kicking down the door to Sporting’s dressing room after being sent off against Boavista.
A club source recalled: “The internal discussion was about his temperament. He was too impatient. He was dangerous. He couldn’t control himself.”
But Woodward loved the passion Fernandez displayed. He recalled Sir Alex Ferguson once saying he wanted his players to be humble off the pitch, but fiery on it. He thought Fernandes’ attitude was perfect for United.
He also knew that he had a very close relationship with Sporting president Federico Varandas. Numerous conversations began to take place between the two sides, with Mr Varandas becoming optimistic about the prospect of getting close to £50m in exchange for selling Fernandes.
Barcelona and Tottenham were also interested in signing Fernandes, but the player only had his eyes on United. United were desperate to keep the deal a closely guarded secret, but news began to leak in Lisbon.
So United sent a delegation to the Portuguese capital at the beginning of 2020 to try to get an agreement over the line.
United were willing to offer £55m, but Varandas accepted £47m instead due to the friendly relationship that existed between the two clubs.
United got a ‘bargain’.
Fernandes flew to Manchester on a private jet with United executives, but he couldn’t wipe the grin from his face. Fernandes grew up watching United matches on TV in Maia’s hometown near Porto. He had a lifelong dream of one day playing for them. And it showed when he realized that dream.
A club source said: “He really wanted to come. He arrived at the training ground with a big smile on his face. He wanted to meet everyone and have a good look around. I couldn’t be happier. We rolled out the red carpet for him.”
“He couldn’t wait to start. He seemed to have the United DNA in him and since then he has continued to represent the club with outstanding results. His attitude has been great.”
“He engages positively with the supporters and signs a lot of autographs when asked. He can walk into any environment and be very comfortable. He will make the room his own. He has a great attitude. He will run through walls for Manchester United.”
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