Bruno Fernandes: Manchester United wanted me to leave, that’s what I have in my mind

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes said he was disappointed with the club after it wanted the midfielder to leave for the Saudi Pro League.

Fernandes, who joined the Red Devils in January 2020, was reportedly linked with a move to Saudi giants Al Hilal ahead of the current season despite having a contract until 2027.

In an interview with the Portuguese news channel Channel 11Fernandes emphasized how hurt he was by the way the situation was handled. “Manchester United wanted me to leave, that’s in my head,” he said.

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«I could have left in the last transfer window, I would have earned a lot more money. I would have left a season ago – I won’t say where – but I would have won a lot of trophies that season. I decided to stay, also for family reasons, but because I genuinely love the club,» he emphasized.

«It hurts me more than that, it makes me sad because I am a player who does nothing to be criticized. I am always available, I always play, good or bad. I give everything. Then you see things around you, players who do not appreciate the club so much and do not defend the club so much, that makes you sad,» Fernandes added.

The 31-year-old noted that a conversation with manager Ruben Amorim also helped him make the decision to stay.

“I think the board didn’t have the courage (to tell me to leave) because Ruben Amorim wanted me here, but from the club’s side I felt that if I left it wouldn’t be that bad,” he said.

Published on December 16, 2025