Bruno Fernandes could have taken the eye-watering money in Saudi and tore it up in the league over there.
It was the easy option. Many believed it was the better option. If someone of his ability was playing for a team competing for the Premier League and European Cup then it would not have been.
But this is a player who is too good to be with a side finishing 15th in the Premier League. He’s one of the best players in the league.
So when Saudi came calling and Al-Hilal offered him nearly £1m a week to play football over there and in this summer’s Club World Cup, many expected the Portugal star to say yes.
There’s nothing wrong with cashing out but it would have been an early retirement and making his family wealthy beyond belief.
Bruno Fernandes
Sir Jim Ratcliffe might have cashed in on Fernandes (Image: Getty Images)
Now Fernandes and his wife, Ana Pinho, are never going to see a poor day when he’s still earning £250,000-a-week at Manchester United. But the United captain should be applauded for turning down the Saudi riches to stay at Old Trafford.
If it was Real Madrid or Barcelona who came calling it may have been a different answer as Fernandes said he wants to continue playing at the top level. But, for now, his decision was to take the Saudi money or stay with United.
He’s opted for the latter because he has an ambition to help a fallen giant rebuild under Ruben Amorim. That’s worth praise in itself given how big a task that is and the fact it may never happen.
Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes decided not to escape Old Trafford for the riches of Saudi Arabia (Image: Getty Images)
Fernandes has won two major trophies at United but his talent could have seen him win bigger prizes elsewhere. When you watch him play for Portugal with better players around him, you also wonder if his abilities have been smothered being at a faded force like United.
Yet he’s shown dedication to the club by staying and deserves huge plaudits for it not just from United supporters but also fans of all clubs.
The easy way out for Fernandes would have been taking the Saudi riches on offer but he chose to stick where he was because, at 30, he still feels like he’s lots to give.
He will have to give it if he is to help turn this United team around but he will be a hero at Old Trafford if he manages to do so.
Competing for league titles seems a long way off but Fernandes has a contract to 2027 with the option of a further year.
Whether he and United manage to return to the top in that time frame or not, he should be hailed for at least trying rather than taking the money and the easier option.
Ange is set to discover his Tottenham future
Ange has been sacked by Spurs
Tottenham take two weeks to sack Ange Postecoglou - laughable. Why did it take so long? Now they're playing catch up on their rivals in terms of recruitment.
Because before they can start signing players, they now need to sign a manager.
Thomas Frank will be the frontrunner and the smart choice. But Brentford will dig their heels in to make sure they get the right compensation. What players are they going to then get to suit their new boss?
It will take time and Daniel Levy has taken up two valuable weeks dithering on a decision over the Aussie.
Spurs have sacked a manager who won them their first trophy in 17 years. It's a bold move but it took too long whether it ends up being the right decision or not.
ONSIDE: Luis Enrique. PSG may be a sportswashing project but their manager’s strength to overcome daughter’s passing is inspiring.
OFFSIDE: Middlesbrough sacking Michael Carrick for finishing 10th after selling best goalscorer mid-season?