Bruno Fernandes reveals his dream destinations after Man United

Bruno Fernandes has opened the door to a future away from Manchester United, revealing that he is already considering the next chapter of his career. With his contract entering its final 18 months in January, the club captain admitted in an interview with Canal 11 that he has been reflecting on where he would like to play when his spell at Old Trafford eventually concludes.

Fernandes also confirmed he came close to leaving the club in the summer. A lucrative move to Saudi Arabia was on the table, with Al-Hilal reportedly prepared to pay a £100 million fee and offer a salary of up to £700,000 per week. United were open to the possibility, a stance that Fernandes admitted left him “hurt.” After discussions with his family and head coach Ruben Amorim, he decided to remain in Manchester.

His long-term future, however, remains uncertain. Fernandes made clear that while Saudi Arabia will not be part of his plans, he has already thought about three places he would love to experience before he retires.

Speaking candidly, the midfielder said he hopes to experience Spanish football and fight for major honours in Italy. He also expressed a deep emotional pull toward Portugal, where he rose to prominence with Sporting.

“I would like to experience the Spanish league and fight for big titles in Italy,” he said. “I’ve already thought about returning to Portugal… the first option would be Sporting. To be happy, like it was with Sporting. But I don’t want to ruin the image that was left.”

Fernandes noted that his daughter was born in Italy, giving him a personal connection to the country. His affection for Portuguese football remains strong, though he insists he would only return if he felt capable of contributing at a high level. In a more playful aside, he even joked about playing district football late in his career, describing it as a place where the love of the game feels pure.

His comments underline a player who, while still committed to United, is openly preparing for an eventual departure and reflecting on how he wants the final years of his career to unfold.

United’s stance during the summer, combined with Fernandes’ age and contract length, has placed his future under genuine scrutiny. At 31, he remains a key figure, but the club must soon decide whether to offer a long-term renewal, cash in, or allow him to run down the remainder of his deal.

Earlier reports suggested Fernandes was frustrated by the pressure from senior figures encouraging him toward Saudi Arabia. Staying under Amorim — a coach whose style has revitalised aspects of his play — has eased some of that strain, but there is an acceptance from all sides that his Manchester United chapter will not last forever.

What happens next will depend on contract talks, the direction of the team under Amorim, and Fernandes’ own desire to explore new challenges.

It is clear that the midfielder is approaching this phase of his career with intention rather than uncertainty. Elite players often consider legacy and balance emotional connections with sporting ambition. Fernandes’ reflections reflect both.

Although some may view his openness as a sign of imminent departure, it’s worth questioning whether this transparency instead stems from maturity. In our view, Fernandes is signalling that he still has several chapters ahead — but ones he wants to shape carefully. Spain fits his technical pedigree; Italy offers tactical sophistication; Portugal provides emotional fulfilment. Each pathway fits a different version of the footballer and person he wants to be.

What remains undeniable is that he will not be short of options when the time comes.

United travel to Aston Villa on Sunday in a crucial Premier League fixture. Fernandes remains fully involved in Amorim’s plans, but questions surrounding his long-term future are unlikely to fade as the January window approaches.

👉 United fans — which of Fernandes’ dream destinations do you think suits him best when the time finally comes?