How failed Watford move nearly changed Bruno Fernandes' career
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Today, Fernandes is widely regarded as one of the Premier League's most influential midfielders.
However, the Portuguese international has revealed that his journey to the top could have taken a very different path.
Key takeaways
- Fernandes nearly moved to Watford on loan shortly after joining Udinese.
- The setback left him doubting his ability as a teenager.
- Staying at Udinese helped shape the path to his United success.
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Read This Next →Fernandes faced early doubts after Udinese move
Fernandes joined Udinese from Novara in the summer of 2013 at just 19 years old.Identified by then-coach Francesco Guidolin, the youngster arrived with high hopes but quickly found himself facing uncertainty over his future.
Speaking on the podcast hosted by Steven Bartlett, Fernandes recalled being told he would likely be loaned out to Watford before the transfer window closed.
At the time, both clubs were owned by the Pozzo family, who regularly moved players between their teams.
I was on the edge of coming to Watford on loan because it's the same owners.The midfielder explained that he had already packed his belongings after being instructed to prepare for the move.
They were like, "We're going to send you to Watford, you're going to be there playing for them." I was like, "What have I done? I wasn't good enough?"
I packed my stuff. I kept asking myself why I couldn't make it here and what I had done wrong.
A phone call that changed everything
Just as the transfer appeared certain, events took an unexpected turn.Fernandes revealed that Udinese sporting director Cristiano Giaretta contacted him to say the move had been cancelled.
Guidolin had reconsidered and decided he wanted the young midfielder to stay.
According to Fernandes, the coach believed he had the attitude and qualities needed to succeed, even if first-team opportunities would initially be limited.
The Portuguese star said Guidolin became a father figure during a crucial stage of his development, helping him adapt to Italian football and build confidence in his abilities.
From self-doubt to stardom
Looking back, the decision to remain at Udinese proved to be a defining moment.Fernandes continued his development in Serie A before moving to Sampdoria, initially on loan and later permanently.
A return to Portugal with Sporting CP in 2017 transformed his career, establishing him as one of Europe's most productive attacking midfielders.
His outstanding performances eventually earned him a move to United in January 2020.
Since arriving at Old Trafford, Fernandes has become the driving force behind United's midfield and one of the club's most consistent performers during a challenging era.
The Portugal international has amassed 327 appearances for United, scoring 107 goals and registering 108 assists across all competitions.
He has also lifted both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup and was appointed club captain in 2023.
Record-breaking season caps remarkable journey
Fernandes' latest campaign has further highlighted the remarkable turnaround from those early doubts in Italy.The midfielder finished the season with a record-breaking 21 Premier League assists, setting a new benchmark for the most assists recorded in a single campaign.
For a player who once feared he was not good enough just weeks after joining Udinese, the achievement serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in football.
What nearly became a loan move to Watford instead became the first step on a journey that would eventually lead Fernandes to become one of United's most important players of the modern era.
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