Real Madrid reject chance to sign Manchester United playmaker – report | OneFootball

Real Madrid have had a rocky start to 2026, losing the Spanish Super Cup, changing managers, crashing out of the Copa del Rey, and then failing to finish in the top eight of the UEFA Champions League standings.

Injuries in defence have played a major part in the problems, with Alvaro Arbeloa having to make do with limited personnel at right-back and centre-back.

Meanwhile, the midfield has also severely underperformed, with the lack of a controlling, creative presence in the centre of the park clearly evident.

Bruno Fernandes offered himself to Real Madrid

Amidst this, journalist Rodra (via Inaki Angulo on YouTube), claims that Manchester United captain and playmaker Bruno Fernandes offered himself to Real Madrid this month.

However, the Merengues straight up rejected the opportunity to sign the Portuguese international, sticking by their policy of not making major recruitments in January.

Fernandes, one of the best creative midfielders in Europe, was allegedly offered to the Spanish capital club following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim as manager at Manchester United.

Real Madrid rejected approach from Bruno Fernandes. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

The 31-year-old Manchester United captain’s contract expires in 2027. There had been exit links during the summer, but he opted to stay despite receiving lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia.

However, midway through the campaign, it is being claimed that Fernandes’ services were offered to Real Madrid, who were quick to reject him.

Like Bruno, Los Blancos also turned down an offer to sign his compatriot Ruben Neves, who was keen on moving to the Santiago Bernabeu from Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Despite the team’s predicament, the Real Madrid administration firmly insist that the current squad has what it takes to compete for and win major trophies. So, no new signings will be made in January.