Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have been pleasantly surprised by Bruno Fernandes’ decision to turn down a summer transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Bruno Fernandes looks set to stay at Manchester United, despite being the subject of constant speculation since the end of the season.
It was a turbulent campaign for the Red Devils, although that didn’t stop one player from impressing on an individual note, with Bruno Fernandes voted Player of the Year for a fourth season at the club.
However, Fernandes wasn’t the only player to impress United fans during the 2024/25 campaign. There was Amad Diallo, who emerged as a star player after being overlooked in previous years by Erik ten Hag, also producing multiple goal contributions.
Fernandes scored 19 goals and registered 20 assists last season. It raises the question: Where would United finish in the league without the Portugal star?
That wasn’t enough to prevent disastrous results, with United losing the Europa League final against Tottenham before finishing 15th in the Premier League.
There won’t be any European football for United next season as a result.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Gary Lineker impressed by Bruno Fernandes decision
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That has not been the case this summer with United announcing Matheus Cunha as their first signing, in a £62.5m deal, which is to be paid over three years in instalments.
Since then, United have switched their attention to Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, with Amorim keen to bolster his attacking department ahead of the new season.
On top of that, United captain Bruno Fernandes turned down a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal amid fears the Red Devils could lose their most valuable player.
Fernandes intends to remain in Europe and looks set to remain at Old Trafford.
Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, Gary Lineker raised a point about Fernandes turning down a switch to the Saudi Pro League.
Unlike Ivan Toney before him, Fernandes turned down advances, even if it would see him benefit financially.
“Bruno Fernandes has apparently turned down a possible move to Saudi and it looked like a hell of a lot of money, as you might expect, so credit to Bruno,” Lineker said.
“I think he’s the one player that stood out in Manchester United’s season and that’s always a good sign if you’ve got a player still performing when the team’s really struggling.
“I think that’s probably a real boost for Amorim and it’s nice to see a footballer doing that sort of thing and I would imagine that they [United fans] will feel that loyalty, it’s something very special.”
Fernandes snub described as ‘refreshing’
On the same podcast, Alan Shearer weighed in on the Fernandes debate.
The former Newcastle striker praised Fernandes and said it is ‘refreshing’ to see him turn down the move to stay at United.
Shearer said: “He was without doubt their best player last year. It would have been a lot worse if it wasn’t for him because he came to the rescue so many times.
“I think it is pretty refreshing now he has decided to say no and stay at Manchester United, I think it’s huge for them.”
It’s a huge boost for Amorim because the last thing he needs now is to replace United’s best player. Multiple issues need to be addressed this summer, but having to find a new captain and star player is one that can be sorted in the future.