Bruno Fernandes has opted to remain at Manchester United, despite the Red Devils seeing an outrageous £100million offer from Al-Hilal for their standout attacking midfielder earlier this week
Roy Keane scratches his face while working his punditry duties
Roy Keane may be left feeling slightly embarrassed by his past assessment of Bruno Fernandes
(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Roy Keane may feel slightly embarrassed after Bruno Fernandes turned down a colossal £100million move to Al-Hilal. The 30-year-old's dedication to Manchester United became evident as he turned down the Saudi Pro League club's offer of a whopping £700k per-week salary.
The United skipper has elected to stick with the Red Devils in what is little other than an outright declaration of loyalty.
And United legend Keane, who heavily criticised Fernandes following a disappointing 3-0 defeat by Manchester City in 2023 - where he suggested then-boss Erik ten Hag should remove Fernandes from his role as captain due to a lack of leadership qualities - the latest revelation may well leave the pundit red-faced.
Keane, speaking on Sky Sports had stated: "The first thing I would do is take the captaincy off him. I know it's a big decision, but Fernandes is not captain material. He's a talented player, but what I saw today - he's whinging, he's moaning, he's throwing his arms up in the air constantly - it really isn't acceptable.
"When you're talking about where do they make changes - board level, managers - I'd start with that because the manager is capable of doing that. Fernandes is a brilliant footballer but he's the opposite to what you want in a captain."
With Manchester United's underwhelming 2024/25 season now behind them, a lucrative offer may have tempted many to jump ship. However, Fernandes demonstrated his commitment by turning down the Saudi Pro League club's offer.
Speaking on Tuesday, Fernandes admitted: "There was an opportunity. The [Al-Hilal] president called me and asked if I wanted to go there. They were waiting for me. I spoke to coach [Rubem] 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."
He added: "It was an easy move, even at a family level. I had Joao Cancelo there, my children are used to playing with him in the national team. We have a great friendship. But I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions and I feel capable of it."
Bruno Fernandes looks on during a game with Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes will remain at Manchester United
Amorim, who took over the reins from Ten Hag in November, is planning a major overhaul of his inherited squad after struggling to adapt the players to his unique system and style of play - and Fernandes is a key part of that.
The Red Devils have already made moves in the summer transfer window, securing a £62.5million deal with Wolves for striker Matheus Cunha. The 26-year-old Brazilian joins after an impressive 15 goals in 33 Premier League appearances for Wolves and Cunha - preparing to play as one of the twin No.10s in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation - could be the answer to United's goal-scoring woes.
Matheus Cunha holds his hands to his face during a match with Wolves
Manchester United have agreed a deal for Matheus Cunha
Rasmus Hojlund, the club's first-choice striker, has managed just four goals in 32 Premier League appearances this season, while last summer's big signing, Joshua Zirkzee, has netted only three times in the top-flight thus far.
Alongside Cunha, United are pushing to secure the services of Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo. The 25-year-old, who scored 20 goals for the Bees this term, has made clear United are his No.1 choice this summer as he looks to move. United have seen a first offer - a package worth up to £55m for the forward, comprising an initial £45m plus £10m in add-ons - rejected but are set to return with a second offer shortly.
Brentford value Mbeumo at £60million, and pointed to Cunha's price tag in initial negotiations. And as he is under contract until next summer with the option to extend for a year, the Bees aren't in any rush to sell the star if the price isn't right.
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