Ivan Toney has reacted to Bruno Fernandes’ decision to snub a move to the Saudi Pro League.
The last thing Manchester United fans wanted to see this summer was one of their star players, like Bruno Fernandes, sold to make money for new signings.
Fernandes has been United’s most valuable player since he signed from Sporting CP in January 2020.
Despite a bombardment of speculation over his future at the end of the disappointing 2024/25 season, with United finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final, Fernandes has turned down advances from Al-Hilal.
The Saudi Pro League outfit offered eye-watering money to make the deal a possibility, but Fernandes explained that he wanted to remain at the highest level of football.
Fernandes won the United Player of the Year award for a fourth season last term, but there was nothing to celebrate at the end of the campaign. Ruben Amorim will hope to change that in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
Al-Hilal will now move on to other targets as Fernandes looks set to remain at Old Trafford.
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Ivan Toney accuses Bruno Fernandes of ignorance
Former Brentford striker Ivan Toney insists the standard is high in the Saudi Pro League, despite recent comments from Fernandes.
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Fernandes’ preference is to continue playing in a top European league, which Toney appeared to take as an insult for football in Saudi Arabia.
Toney, 29, joined Al Ahli from Brentford in a £40 million deal last summer. The move hasn’t harmed his international career after earning a call-up this month from England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Speaking to talkSPORT ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra, Toney was asked about Fernandes’ comments after snubbing Al-Hilal.
“Well, that’s his decision, he maybe thinks differently to me,” Toney said.
“He obviously hasn’t seen the league, I respect his decision. And I can’t say much more than that. It’s up to him.”
Toney then insisted that people like Fernandes should pay more attention to the Saudi Pro League before commenting on it, claiming the standard of football is highly competitive.
He added: “The standard’s high, I always say this.
“People always judge it on not seeing it. And you have to see it first-hand to have your own opinion.
“And, if people went there and went and watched some games, they’d soon realise.
“But yeah, I know the standard. I know it’s a good standard. You would never knock it once you’ve been there. And yeah, it is tough.”
Although Toney may have a point about the standard of football being higher than what most people imagine, there is no denying that Fernandes is playing in the biggest league in the world.
The same league Toney left to move to the Saudi Pro League.
Toney backs Bryan Mbeumo to succeed ahead of big transfer
Toney played alongside United target Bryan Mbeumo during his time at Brentford.
Mbeumo could be set to leave the Bees this summer as talks between United and Brentford continue.
Recent reports suggest Mbeumo is prioritising a move to United over the likes of Newcastle, Arsenal and Tottenham.
When asked about Mbeumo potentially stepping up and joining a bigger club this summer, Toney replied: “He scores goals, he knows where to put the ball for other players. He’s got a similar penalty technique [to me].
“He is a top, top player and he deserves to play for top, top clubs.”