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Gary Neville responds to Bruno Fernandes decision on Manchester United future

Saudi Arabia club Al-Hilal wanted to sign Bruno Fernandes this summer but the player has rejected their transfer proposal.

Neville reacted to Fernandes' decision.(Image: Sky Sports)

Gary Neville believes Bruno Fernandes has shown extreme loyalty to Manchester United by turning down a move to Saudi Arabia.

Al-Hilal are the most successful club in Saudi Arabia and they turned their attention to Fernandes after missing out on Mohamed Salah, who recently signed a new contract at Anfield.

Saudi reports claimed Fernandes had been offered a huge financial package to sign for Al-Hilal. However, there has been no contact between the clubs and Fernandes is thought to have rejected their proposal.

Speaking after the Europa League final, Fernandes admitted he could leave Old Trafford if the club wanted to cash in, but the Saudi proposal has been rebuffed after talks with his agent.

"It's significant," said Neville on Sky Sports. "I think the money that was on the table was big, so I think there was an element of this situation that meant United getting that level of money for someone of Bruno's age, you couldn't say it was a bad deal.

"But on the other hand, he is Manchester United's star player and only player at times, for the last four or five years, it's been Bruno Fernandes. He is the one who I can point at being a success out of the big signings they've made.

"He's so important and he's the only player with the personality and courage to take the ball in difficult situations. If he plays well, United have half a chance of winning a game.

"You saw it in the Europa League final when he had one of his more difficult games and United did next to nothing in attack. So I think him staying at the club and Cunha coming in does give them a couple of players with personality who might just make a difference next season."

Neville continued: "I don't think anybody is doubting his commitment to United over the last few years. He plays every single week, hardly misses a game and he's consistent.

"The chances, goals and assists have been sensational. And the fact he wants to stay, wants to go through this and come out of the other side, because it would have been easier for him at the end of this season to say 'I'm done here'. There would have been a huge amount of money on the table.

"But the fact he's stayed will endear him to United fans even more. The idea to turn that money down at a point when United are at their lowest ebb and say 'I want to fight'.

"I think that says a lot about him as a person, as a character and I think United fans will warm to that because at this moment in time, the club needs people who will run through a brick wall."

The Portugal international won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for a fourth time this season, joining David de Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo as the only other players who have won it four times.

Fernandes' contract runs until the summer of 2027, with the option of another year.

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