Bruno Fernandes turned down the Saudi offer to pursue Manchester United’s dreams

Bruno Fernandes has revealed he has turned down a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia and pursued his dreams at Manchester United.

United captain Fernandes will make his 300th appearance for the club in Saturday’s Premier League match against Brighton at Old Trafford.

United have struggled for much of Fernandes’ time in Manchester and last season finished in 15th place, which was the club’s worst top position since 1973/74.

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The team also lost the Europa League final to rivals Tottenham, dashing the latter’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Fernandes was offered a breakout route during the season when Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal reportedly showed interest.

But he rejected the move to focus on unfinished business with the 20-time English champions, who last won the title in 2013.

«We always say that we have an offer from Saudi Arabia, because wherever I have to go, of course they have to come. They can choose not to come, but I would rather they come,» he said in reference to his wife Ana and his family.

‘And of course the first thing she said was: ‘Have you achieved everything you wanted to achieve at the club?’ Because she knows I didn’t.’

Fernandes is sometimes criticized for being overly emotional on the pitch, subjecting teammates to frustrated rants.

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But United boss Ruben Amorim accepts the Portuguese midfielder’s fiery personality is part of his burning desire to win the Premier League and Champions League.

“The manager has spoken to me,” Fernandes said. «He said I was still part of the project. He wanted me to stay. The club said the same.»

“I have always said that if the club said: ‘Bruno, we want to make money, we want to make some money, we don’t think you can be part of the future project’ or whatever, then I would say: ‘Okay, I have to find a solution for myself, what is best for me and my family, and I will leave’.

«But that clearly wasn’t the case. I felt like I was still part of the plan, that I could still help the club achieve our goals.»

Fernandes has a contract until 2027, with an option for another year.

And the 31-year-old has no plans to discuss his future with anyone until after the World Cup next year.

“As I’ve always said, I feel good here,” he said. «I still want to realize my dreams, but obviously I can’t talk about the club.

«I’ve seen a lot of news. I’ve seen a lot of people talking that I already had an agreement to go next season. If the club has made that agreement, it wasn’t made with me, so I haven’t spoken to anyone.»

«My agent also knows how I work, so if he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Because until then I won’t talk to anyone.»

Published on October 24, 2025