Bruno Fernandes’ future has suddenly become clearer.
Since the end of a turbulent 2024/25 season, there has been non-stop speculation over Bruno Fernandes leaving Manchester United for Saudi Arabia.
It has now emerged that Fernandes turned down a mega-money offer to join Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, with his future set to be at Old Trafford rather than the Middle East.
United fans will be relieved that Fernandes decided to turn down a lucrative offer to remain in Europe because it’s unlikely that Ineos will receive a £100m offer from another club on the continent.
Fernandes won United’s Player of the Year award for a fourth season, but the Red Devils were unable to win any silverware in 2024/25, after finishing 15th in the Premier League.
The Portugal international is good enough to be competing for the biggest honours in football, which has not been achievable at United.
Although Fernandes looks set to remain ahead of the 2025/26 season, United in Focus has three questions for United to address following the latest development on the club captain’s future.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
New deal for Bruno Fernandes?
With Fernandes deciding to opt against moving his career to Saudi Arabia like fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portugal international has a contract at Old Trafford until 2027 with the option of a further year.
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Fernandes turning down a move to Saudi Arabia raises questions over his long-term future, whether it is at United or another top club in Europe.
Does Fernandes now get a longer-term deal, or does his snub of the Middle East simply delay his exit by a year?
United fans will hope that the 30-year-old is still part of Amorim’s squad next season, after contributing 98 goals and 87 assists in 290 games in all competitions since his January 2020 transfer from Sporting CP.
Fernandes has been United’s most valuable player since his arrival by some distance.
What do new signings mean for Bruno Fernandes?
United confirmed the signing of Matheus Cunha this week. The former Wolves forward is now expected to occupy one of the No. 10 roles in Amorim’s system, but he could soon be joined by Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.
Although renowned for being versatile, Mbeumo is likely to play alongside Cunha and behind the main striker, should United complete their desired deals.
Amorim must ask himself where Fernandes fits in a system with Cunha and Mbeumo being a possible duo to play behind Rasmus Hojlund or a new striker next season?
There is also a possibility that Fernandes plays a deeper role alongside Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro.
How will United raise funds for more signings?
Ineos could have pocketed at least £80m-100m if Fernandes had decided to move to Saudi Arabia.
With the club under heavy financial restrictions, that money would have gone a long way towards rebuilding the squad ahead of the new season.
Now, Omar Berrada and his chiefs need to find other ways of making money, which would include selling United’s loanees such as Antony, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho.
There have been rumours regarding the uncertain future of Alejandro Garnacho, but United fans will fear the worst, that Ineos may sell more members of United’s first team who are deemed fan favourites.
There would be severe backlash if United sold the likes of Amad Diallo or Kobbie Mainoo.