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Bruno Fernandes has disclosed that he was “very close” to joining Tottenham Hotspur before completing his transfer to Manchester United in 2020. The Portuguese midfielder also addressed recent remarks from Roy Keane during an open conversation on a podcast.

Spurs were on the brink of signing Fernandes

Fernandes admitted that Tottenham had been in advanced discussions to sign him before Sporting CP decided to halt the deal. Spurs had identified the midfielder as a replacement for Christian Eriksen in 2019, with the Danish playmaker nearing the end of his stint in north London. Ultimately, Manchester United sealed a £67.6 million deal for Fernandes in January 2020, but the player revealed that events could have turned out very differently a few months earlier.

Fernandes opens up on failed Spurs transfer and reacts to Keane’s criticism

During his appearance on The Diary Of A CEO podcast, Fernandes explained that negotiations with Tottenham had progressed significantly before Sporting chose to retain him. The midfielder confessed he was keen on making the move due to his long-held dream of playing in the Premier League.

He said, “Yes, I spoke with Tottenham, and we were very close to completing an agreement. Then, in the final two days of the transfer window, Sporting told me, ‘We’re not going to sell him. We’ll keep him because we need him.’”

“Of course, I wanted to play in the Premier League because, for me, it’s the best league in the world. It’s the most competitive. It’s the one you grow up dreaming of playing in — with full stadiums, top clubs, and elite players.”

“I was fortunate that my dream club to play for in England was Manchester United. At that time, Tottenham was the option I had, and I was genuinely happy to join them because they showed me their project and vision.”

Fernandes stays vital to United amid criticism

Since moving from Sporting, Fernandes has established himself as one of Manchester United’s most influential figures. Despite the team’s uneven performances following the Sir Alex Ferguson era, he has consistently produced goals and assists. His passionate leadership style often draws mixed opinions from pundits, with Roy Keane being one of his most vocal critics. Fernandes, however, clarified that he can accept criticism when it is fair and truthful.

He remarked, “As I’ve always said, I don’t mind criticism. I’ve always taken it from everyone without responding. People are entitled to their opinions — whether they’re positive or negative.”

“What I dislike is when people spread falsehoods. In this case, what Roy Keane said was simply untrue. Maybe he saw another interview, but he can’t claim I said something I didn’t. Thankfully, everything is on record.”

“I accept his criticism. He may or may not like me as a player or a person, and that’s fine. But I don’t appreciate when someone puts words in my mouth that I never said. That’s the only issue I have.”

Fernandes aims to drive United’s resurgence

Fernandes continues to be a central figure for the Red Devils as they look to rebuild and compete more consistently at the top level, particularly with Champions League football ahead next season. The Portuguese midfielder is expected to maintain his key creative role in the middle of the park. Before rejoining Manchester United for pre-season, however, his immediate focus will be on representing Portugal in their 2026 World Cup campaign.