“That changed my mind”: Rooney explains exactly what shifted his opinion of Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has explained how a conversation with former team-mate Darren Fletcher changed his view of Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese maestro has been an influential figure for the Red Devils since arriving at Old Trafford in January 2020. Largely considered one of United’s best signings in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, Fernandes has also been the Premier League’s supreme creator during his six-and-a-half-season stay. The 31 year old added another feather to his cap in the recently concluded campaign, registering the most assists (21) in a single Premier League season. Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League35359215-3,068′ FA Cup11-1–90′ EFL Cup10—-45′ Total37369225-3,203′ Source: Transfermarkt. He was subsequently named the FWA Footballer of the Year, and also won the Premier League Player of the Season ahead of Declan Rice. While Fernandes is adored by United fans, he has been subject to criticism, especially from rival fans and former players, for his demeanour on the pitch. Rooney, though, has spoken glowingly about Fernandes in the past and recently provided an intriguing insight on the Red Devils skipper. Rooney was unsure when Fernandes arrived at United Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney explained how he was sceptical when Bruno Fernandes first arrived at Old Trafford. He said: “He did, yeah, I think his knowledge of football, you could see, is clear.” “And for me, when he first joined Manchester United, I was a bit unsure, if I’m being honest. And I think the perception was a lot of people who I speak to as well were like, ‘I don’t really like how he is on the pitch and stuff.’ I think a lot of people say that.” United’s record goalscorer went on to reveal that a conversation with former team-mate Darren Fletcher a few years ago changed his stance, adding: “But I remember speaking to Darren Fletcher, a few years back, over Bruno and Fletcher was telling me how good he is [as a player] and how good he is with the players and as a captain and stuff. So, then I was like, ‘Okay,’ that changed my mind […].” Fernandes has registered 107 goals and 108 assists in 327 appearances for the Red Devils to date. Wazza, meanwhile, scored 253 goals and set up 143 more in 559 games for the English giants. Those two, along with United legend Ryan Giggs, are the only three players to have registered 100 goals and 100 assists for the Premier League giants in their history. Meeting Fernandes left a lasting impression on Rooney Rooney also pointed out that meeting the Portuguese earlier this year left a lasting impression. He said: “[…] And then, obviously, when I met him a few weeks ago, he was brilliant, and not just with me, but everyone who was there, he was brilliant with everyone.” “That shows, obviously, he’s a leader; he thinks about football a lot [and] he takes it really seriously. And he wants to be better, the best he can, and he wants his teammates to be better, which I think is really important.” Fernandes is under contract at Old Trafford until 2027, but recent reports suggest that United are already working to tie him down to a new deal. Final Thoughts Fernandes recently acknowledged that he would have loved to win more trophies with United. If INEOS can invest wisely in the squad this summer, the Portuguese could be granted his wish in the upcoming season. Since Bruno Fernandes joined Man Utd, he has created more chances (670) and registered more assists (71) than any other player in the Premier League. Peerless playmaker. 🔝 pic.twitter.com/kH8oBkEQVT — Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) May 18, 2026 Featured image Steve Bardens 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.