Bruno Fernandes has explained why he turned down a lucrative offer to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.
The 2024/25 season was a difficult campaign for everyone connected to Manchester United.
Not only did United finish 15th in the Premier League, but they also lost the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, losing 1-0 in Bilbao.
Despite United’s shortcomings on the pitch, Bruno Fernandes was voted United Player of the Year for a fourth season.
Fernandes was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia at the end of the season, but Fernandes has rejected advances from Al-Hilal as he looks to continue his career in Europe.
The 30-year-old has been at Old Trafford since January 2020, when he joined United from Sporting CP. Since then, the midfielder has been the club’s most valuable player and could be the case again next term.
Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images
Photo by Qin Zhicheng/VCG via Getty Images
Bruno Fernandes reveals how Ruben Amorim impacted decision
Bruno Fernandes has broken his silence on his decision to snub an offer to join Al-Hilal.
The United captain turned down the chance to significantly increase his salary, after he was approached by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal over a potential summer move.
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Fernandes has now revealed that he rejected the move following a call from the Al-Hilal president and a chat with United head coach Ruben Amorim.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, Fernandes said: “There was an opportunity. The president [Al-Hilal] called me and asked if I wanted to go there.
“They were waiting for me. I spoke to coach Amorim. He asked me not to go. Manchester United didn’t want to sell me. They don’t need the money. If I had wanted to leave, they would have made it happen.”
🚨🔴 Bruno #Fernandes on his future and turning down Al Hilal:
“There was an opportunity. The president called me and asked if I wanted to go there. They were waiting for me. I spoke to coach Amorim. He asked me not to go. Manchester United didn’t want to sell me. They don’t… pic.twitter.com/6AgKiKZtHf
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 3, 2025
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He continued: “Al-Hilal were very kind. They spoke to my agent. Then I spoke to my wife. She asked: ‘What do you want to do?’ She always supports my decisions.
“It would have been easy to move there. I know the Portuguese players there very well. But I want to play at the highest level and compete for major titles. I can do that, and I still want to. I’m very passionate about football.”
🚨🔴 More from Bruno #Fernandes:
„Al Hilal were very kind. They spoke to my agent. Then I spoke to my wife. She asked: what do you want to do? She always supports my decisions. It would have been easy to move there. I know the Portuguese players there very well. But I want to… pic.twitter.com/lENsN2EBph
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 3, 2025
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Fernandes discussed Germany’s best player with Joshua Zirkzee
Fernandes was speaking to the press ahead of Portugal’s Nations League semi-final against Germany.
When asked to name Germany’s best player, Fernandes revealed that he had been talking to United teammate Joshua Zirkzee about Jamal Musiala.
“The one who, unfortunately, isn’t playing. For me, it’s Jamal Musiala. He is one of the best number 10s in the world. I’ve spoken a lot about him with Joshua Zirkzee.”
🚨🧨 Bruno #Fernandes when asked who he thinks is the best player in the German team:
“The one who, unfortunately, isn’t playing. For me, it’s Jamal Musiala. He is one of the best number 10s in the world. I’ve spoken a lot about him with Joshua Zirkzee.”@SkySportDE 🇵🇹🤝🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/rraLkT3lsw
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 3, 2025
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Zirkzee played with Musiala during his time at Bayern Munich.