Wayne Rooney has shared his initial thoughts on Manchester United’s decision to sign Bruno Fernandes in 2020, revealing that he was ‘unsure’ about the move at first.
The Red Devils made a significant investment in the Portuguese midfielder, securing his services from Sporting Lisbon for an initial fee of £47 million, with potential add-ons increasing the total value to £68 million. Since then, Fernandes has become one of the most influential players in the Premier League, scoring 71 goals and providing 72 assists in his league career alone.
His impact has been nothing short of remarkable, particularly during the 2025-26 season when he broke the Premier League record for the most assists in a single campaign. Fernandes was also named the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and is a strong contender for the PFA Player of the Year award, despite a standout season from several Arsenal players.
Rooney highlighted Fernandes’ importance to the team, stating that he is the ‘first name on the teamsheet’ for his Premier League Team of the Season. He admitted that he initially had doubts about the move but has since come to appreciate the midfielder’s contributions.
‘If you look at Bruno and what he’s doing at Manchester United, he’s the main part of the team and he’s making the players around him better as well,’ Rooney said on his BBC podcast. ‘I think that’s a skill and all part of the process of becoming a top player. He’s been the main part. The best players bring players with them, they drag players along with them and make them better.
‘Bruno has done that and set the standard. I think some people look at Bruno and see him shouting at his teammates on the pitch or having a go at the referee and stuff like that. But that’s just part of his character and I think that’s him keeping the players on their toes.’
Rooney had the opportunity to speak with Fernandes towards the end of the season, as the Manchester United captain appeared on his podcast. When asked if Fernandes surprised him, Rooney responded:
‘He did, yeah. I’ve seen him around the training ground a few times and said hello but nothing in depth. So that was the first time I’ve properly spoke with him. When he first joined Manchester United I was a bit unsure if I’m being honest. The perception from me and a lot of people I spoke to was we didn’t really like how he is on the pitch.
‘But I remember speaking to [Manchester United coach] Darren Fletcher a few years ago about Bruno and he was telling me how good he is and how good he is with the players and as a captain. So that changed my mind and when I met him he was brilliant. He’s a leader, he thinks about football a lot, he takes it really seriously. I think his knowledge of football, you could tell, it was clear.
‘And he wants to be better, the best he can, he wants his teammates to be better as well which is really important.’
Fernandes played a crucial role in helping Manchester United recover from a difficult start to the season, finishing third in the Premier League and securing a place in the next season’s Champions League. His performances also led to Michael Carrick being appointed as the permanent manager after his stint as interim boss.
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