Manuel Fernandes was born on February 5th, 1986 in Amador, a district of Lisbon. As a child, Manuel played football in the streets with his best friend Luis Nani.

Soon Fernandes was recruited by Benfica and there he grew up to the main team player. In his second game with the Eagles Fernandes scored against Gil Vicente and set up a record: he became the youngest scorer in the club's history. His debut season brought him his first title when Benfica won the Portuguese Cup.

A year on, Manuel Fernandes, a starter, helped the club win the league first time in 11 years.

Season 2005/06 started with another trophy: Benfica won the Portuguese Super Cup. The midfielder played nearly full time. In his first appearance in the Champions League the Portuguese side beat Lille. Manu scored his first goal in Europe's top club tournament against Villareal.

Soon the Portuguese was loaned out to Portsmouth then headed by Harry Redknapp. He made several appearances with Pompeys in the EPL but soon was forced to return to Portugal. However, Everton were quick to make another loan proposal and Manuel put on the Toffees' shirt. With Everton, Manuel scored twice, including a goal against Manchester Utd.

In the summer of 2007 the Spanish side Valencia offered Manuel a contract. In Spain, the midfielder won the national Cup but was again loaned out to Everton for the second part of the season.

In Season 2008/2009 Fernandes finally managed to become a regular pick at Valencia. He made 39 appearances in all tournaments but the injury that followed soon spoilt the end of the season. Soon the Portuguese was loaned out to Besiktas who then offered him a contract.

In Turkey, Manuel quickly became a starting pick and won the Turkish Cup. Manuel notched 112 appearances for Besiktas with 20 goals and 41 assists to his name.

Manuel has won 9 caps for Portugal and scored twice. His debut with the national team was in 2005 when he substituted Cristiano Ronaldo against Ireland.

In June 2014 Manuel Fernandes signed with Lokomotiv.