LONDON: Bruno Fernandes says his stellar form since he arrived at Manchester United in January is not the only reason why the club’s fortunes have improved on the pitch.
After an inconsistent first half of the season, United are unbeaten in the nine games Fernandes has featured in since his £47 million ($58 million) move from Sporting Lisbon.
In the Premier League, United are unbeaten in five games and up to fifth place, firmly in the battle for Champions League places.
The midfielder has scored three goals and made four assists.
“I see the same team from one month ago,” the Portugal international told Sky Sports. “I think we are the same and have a lot of hunger to win, to give a lot, to do better and better in every game.
“In the last month, we’ve had a lot of really good games and I think we can talk about a new start after Bruno, but it’s not about Bruno, it’s about the team.”
The 25-year-old said he was a different player from his teammates.
“Everyone has a different mold to play,” he said. “Maybe I take more risks, maybe other players don’t take as many, maybe I shoot more, some players pass more, some of the players make more tackles, everyone is different in a club.”
Fernandes shone in last week’s derby victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford and got involved in a spat with opposition manager Pep Guardiola late in the game.
The pair exchanged words and Fernandes then put a finger to his lips, gesturing for Spaniard Guardiola to be quiet.
Fernandes says Manchester United revival not just down to him
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Fernandes says Manchester United revival not just down to him
- The pair exchanged words and Fernandes then put a finger to his lips, gesturing for Spaniard Guardiola to be quiet
Paqueta moves to Flamengo after West Ham agree fee
- British media reported that West Ham have accepted an offer in excess of $49m
- “Paqueta is coming back. The good son returns home... A historic move,” the Brazilian side said
LONDON: West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta will return to his boyhood club Flamengo, both clubs confirmed on Wednesday.
Financial details were not disclosed but British media reported that West Ham have accepted an offer in excess of 41 million euros ($49 million) for the 28-year-old Brazil international.
Flamengo, last season’s Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A and Campeonato Carioca champions, confirmed the signing on social media.
“Paqueta is coming back. The good son returns home... A historic move. A milestone in the global football market, on a scale worthy of Flamengo,” the Brazilian side said in an Instagram video post.
“I am very happy to be back home. I would like to thank President Bap (Luiz Eduardo Baptista), Flamengo, our sponsors and, of course, the entire nation that made this possible,” Paqueta said in the video.
Paqueta was cleared of four spot-fixing charges by the English Football Association in July following a lengthy investigation. Paqueta, who was facing the risk of a lifetime ban, denied the charges.
“Lucas has made it clear that, for personal and family reasons, he wishes to return home to Brazil and make a fresh start after being cleared in July 2025 of FA misconduct charges that took two years to be resolved — a situation that caused him significant mental strain,” West Ham said in a statement.
“Despite the club doing everything possible to persuade Lucas to stay, he has remained adamant that his wish is to leave. Therefore, the head coach (Nuno Espirito Santo) and the club have reluctantly agreed to accept his transfer request.”
Paqueta joined West Ham from French side Olympique Lyonnais in 2022, having previously played for AC Milan. His contract with the Premier League club was due to run until 2027.
He made 139 appearances for West Ham, scoring 23 goals and providing 15 assists. He was also part of the squad that won the UEFA Conference League in the 2022-23 season.
“West Ham United would like to take this opportunity to thank our management, players, staff and loyal supporters for the unwavering and devoted support they have shown to Lucas throughout his time at the club and, in particular, over the past two and a half years,” the East London side added.
West Ham sit 18th in the league table with 20 points from 23 matches, five points adrift of the safety zone.
