“I am sure…”: Fabrizio Romano reacts to claim Bruno Fernandes is pushing to join Real Madrid imminently

Manchester United secured a nail-biting 3-2 win over Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday, 1 February, in the Premier League. The Red Devils were 2-0 up by the 56th minute thanks to goals from Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, but Fulham fought back through late goals from Raul Jimenez and Kevin. Just when it looked like Michael Carrick’s winning start to his caretaker spell was over, Benjamin Sesko scored the winner in the fourth minute of second-half injury time, raising the roof at the Theatre of Dreams. While Casemiro was adjudged the Man of the Match, it was Bruno Fernandes who turned out to be United’s saviour once again this weekend. Indispensable for United Carrick’s arrival saw the Portuguese maestro move back to his preferred No. 10 position after operating in the pivot role in the first half of the season under former head coach Ruben Amorim. Fernandes has been at the peak of his powers in recent weeks, and was influential against Fulham as well. The former Sporting ace set up Casemiro for the opening goal of the game, before turning Calvin Bassey with a brilliant dummy to assist Sesko’s winner. In the process, Fernandes registered his 12th Premier League assist this season, equalling his previous record from the 2020/21 campaign. Bruno Fernandes Premier League Stats: 2025/26 Season StatisticValue Appearances21 Goals5 Assists12 xG7.43 xA5.91 Shots on Target (Inside Box)12 Shots on Target (Outside Box)13 Touches in Opposition Box49 Penalties (Scored)4 (2) Hit Woodwork5 Free Kicks (Scored)4 (4) Crosses (Completed %)36 (31%) Passes (Completed %)1,171 (83%) Long Passes (Completed %)148 (57%) Corners Taken44 Minutes Played1,807 Dribbles (Completed %)22 (45%) Duels Won88 Aerial Duels Won15 Total Tackles37 Interceptions12 Blocks5 Red Cards0 Yellow Cards2 Fouls15 Offsides2 Source: Premier League website. The record for the most assists in a Premier League season is 20, held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, which the Portuguese will surely have his sights set on. Meanwhile, Fernandes has managed seven set-piece assists in the league this season and will have a chance to break Steven Gerrard’s record of 11 set-piece assists from the 2013/14 campaign. The 31 year old is leading the Premier League assists chart this season, and could be the first United player to win the Coca Cola Golden Playmaker award since its inception in the 2017/18 season. Meanwhile, Fernandes will enter the final year of his contract this summer, adding to speculation regarding his future. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person has linked him with a move to Real Madrid, and acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on the situation. Fernandes not in talks to move to the Santiago Bernabeu Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Bruno Fernandes. There were some reports around on Bruno Fernandes offering himself to Real Madrid. Forget about that. Not true. This is not happening. Absolutely not happening.” “Why? Because Bruno never offered himself to Real Madrid. That story was completely fake. So, Bruno is fully focused on United. Nothing is happening in January. Then in the summer we will see because I am sure from Saudi they will return for Bruno Fernandes.” “But let’s see because at the moment Bruno is not entertaining conversations. It’s just interest from Saudi, but Bruno’s focus is completely on Manchester United. So, from Saudi they wanted him in the last three years, but that’s it.” “They didn’t send any fresh proposal and Bruno already said no several times. So, in the summer, we will see if they will return, but with Real Madrid, Bruno never offered himself to Real Madrid. Trust me, I don’t know where this story was coming from, but it’s not happening.” Final Thoughts Bruno Fernandes is the heartbeat of this United team, and INEOS should do everything possible to ensure that the player retires at Old Trafford. The minority owners are reportedly eyeing a Premier League triumph by 2028, and that may only be possible with the Portuguese Magnifico pulling the strings from midfield. Bruno Fernandes’ game by numbers vs. Fulham: 83% pass accuracy 6 passes into the final third 6 defensive contributions 4 chances created 2 assists The best. 🅰️🅰️ pic.twitter.com/vY3UUgJHlf — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 1, 2026 Featured image Matt McNulty via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.