Bruno Fernandes has become an instant superstar at Manchester United since his January move.
Not only has he had more Premier League goal involvements than any player in 2020, but he has transformed the team, with United now on a 15-game unbeaten run.
United of course nearly blew it. The club decided against an expensive move for Fernandes in summer 2019, a mistake which could yet cost a Champions League spot if results do not go our way before the end of the season.
At least we admitted our error and got Fernandes in the end. The same cannot be said of other Premier League clubs who had a chance to sign the Portuguese star, and decided against it.
Kicking themselves
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho told SkySports in his press conference this week that he would rather have Giovani Lo Celso than Fernandes.
We are not sure who he is trying to kid. Even Spurs fans would not agree, and his actions don’t match his words, after leaving Lo Celso on the bench against United, who has no league goals yet this whole season.
The very fact Mourinho has to come out to address this and try and save face says it all. Tottenham messed up. They could even have had both.
Goal reported how Tottenham bid £40 million for Fernandes last summer, which was rejected. The Boot Room this week reported how Tottenham fans were left cursing the failure to sign Fernandes after his two-goal display for United against Brighton.
An even more embarrassing failure lies with West Ham.
The Hammers reportedly bid just £20 million for Fernandes in 2018. Sky Sports reported how it would not have taken much more for Sporting to accept, having been in financial trouble at the time.
We would say Fernandes probably had a very lucky escape there, or he would be playing for David Moyes right now.
The Metro reported interest from Liverpool last summer too. Thankfully they didn’t do the deal, because they really didn’t need him. But the way he is performing for us, has to make them a little nervous.
The Guardian reported last summer that Manchester City were set to win the race for Fernandes. Once again, we are very glad they didn’t, and they are surely kicking themselves right now.
Chelsea were also interested in 2018 too, The Sun reported citing reports from Portugal. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo claimed last year that Arsenal had joined the race for him.
While Wolves’ extensive moves in the Portuguese market somehow managed to overlook Fernandes. They will also be full of regret.
It is not just clubs in the Premier League. Real Madrid turned down the chance to sign Fernandes last summer because they wanted to save funds for Paul Pogba, DiarioMadridista reported. Unlucky lads.
Fernandes must continue to pile on
Amid this regret for teams up and down the league, Fernandes should have one mission: Continue to pile it on.
Several teams took a look at him, or were approached about him, but didn’t want him badly enough.
Manchester United eventually did, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer realising by January that the team’s creative options were dangerously sub-standard, with Paul Pogba also out with injury.
Fernandes will want to repay that faith, and in the process, make clubs continue to feel bad for failing to sign him.
A warning to our rivals: The regret of not landing Fernandes is not going to get any easier to deal with. He is only going to get better.
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