Bruno Fernandes opted to stay at Manchester United this summer amidst ambitious Saudi interest
Manchester United had a nightmare last season. Finishing 15th in the Premier League, losing the Europa League final to Tottenham and then being eliminated from European competitions left the club and fans stunned. In such a situation, Bruno Fernandes was the player who kept the team going throughout the season and showed his class even in difficult situations.
This summer, there was a lot of speculation about his future. Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal made an offer of £200m for Fernandes and was also willing to give him a £700,000-a-week tax-free contract. The offer was so big that it would make any player think, but Bruno chose the path that United fans wanted to hear.
Fernandes’ statement and his decision
Fernandes clearly said in the interview that he has not yet fulfilled his dreams with United and can still give a lot to the club. The 30-year-old admitted that the offer from Al-Hilal was very attractive and going there would have been easier for the family, as his teammate Joao Cancelo is already there.
Bruno Fernandes opted to stay at Manchester United this summer amidst ambitious Saudi interest.
Given United’s current situation, Fernandes’ presence is even more important
The Manchester United captain also said that this decision was not easy for the club because, after Cristiano Ronaldo, hardly such a huge amount has come for any player. Still, the attacking midfielder felt that by staying at Manchester United, he could still prove his ability and play at the highest level.
He admitted that the chairman of Al-Hilal respected him a lot and the conversation was easy, but when he consulted his wife and family, Bruno realised that his personal goals are still linked to Manchester. The life of his children, the stability of the family and his own ambitions – all these forced him to think that he should stay at United.
‘I haven’t fulfilled my dreams here yet.
‘I think I can still give something to the club. I think I’m still in a position where I’m helpful so the thing for me is that I will be here until the club decides that ”Bruno, it’s time to go”.
‘Obviously, I know it was tough on the club to decide that because it was a big amount of money that the club hasn’t got probably since Cristiano [Ronaldo] left, he was the last one where they got so much money for a player.
‘It was a very ambitious proposal,’ he added. ‘The president was a fantastic person. We never discussed the amount [initially]. With my agent? Of course.
‘Then, I spoke to my wife and family, and she asked me what my personal goals were in my career. She was someone who always supported me a lot.
‘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.’
Much to achieve in Red
Bruno Fernandes’ decision shows he has put his ambition and commitment to the club above money and convenience. As Manchester United fans, we think he made the right move. Al-Hilal’s offer was life-changing, but Fernandes’ determination to play in the Premier League and major tournaments proves him to be a true leader. His integrity and commitment to the game are vital to the club’s identity.
Given United’s current situation, Fernandes’ presence is even more important. The club have added the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko this summer, but without Bruno’s leadership and experience, the team will be unable to find the right direction. He will inspire the younger players and give fans the reassurance that at least one player is fully committed to United.
Decisions like these are not easy for footballers. Money and family comfort often dictate career decisions, but Fernandes has shown that personal ambition and the desire to stay at the top of the game can be greater than any offer. That’s what makes his legacy even deeper. We think Fernandes’ decision will be remembered as an example in United’s history for years to come.