Rio Ferdinand has reacted to the latest Bruno Fernandes news
Rio Ferdinand has reacted to the latest Bruno Fernandes news
(Image: YouTube: Rio Ferdinand Presents)
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand could not his delight over Bruno Fernandes' decision to reject a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, admitting that he might not have been able to show the restraint the captain has.
Fernandes, 30, is the focus of transfer interest from Al-Hilal, who want to make the United midfielder a marquee signing in time for the start of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. A huge financial package was claimed to have been presented in a bid to tempt Fernandes as his agent was spotted in the Gulf state.
The Manchester Evening News understands United have not been in any club-to-club talks and the midfielder has elected to remain at Old Trafford.
"Listen, I've got to be honest with you, I don't know if I could have said no. He's 30 years old, at a club that struggling," Ferdinand admitted, speaking on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents
The 46-year-old added that he had been in contact with Fernandes. "Bruno's staying, our most potent goalscorer, our biggest provider, our biggest chance maker, he does a lot and our captain.
"Has just lost in the Europa League final, has just finished in our worst position we've seen for years in the Premier League, in a team that needs a big lift in this recruitment window and needs a manager to get on his horse and start riding it.
"And our biggest player, our captain, our talisman, has said no to Saudi where many other players would have said yes.
"I couldn't have woken up this morning happier and I did message him. I won't go into the details of that but what a man."
United are open to player sales and Fernandes' exit could have fetched a handsome sum - especially from a Saudi buyer - but his decision is a boost for Amorim who knows the Portugal international will have a big role to play as the club look to improve on a terrible domestic campaign.
Fernandes l 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 on that many occasions.
With a contract running through to 2027 with an option to extend until 2028, he remains settled in Manchester with his family. It is also the perfect message to new signing Matheus Cunha and other potential arrivals.
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