Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has said he felt the club wanted him to go in the summer transfer window amid concrete interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal
Luke Thrower and Amie Wilson
12:16, 16 Dec 2025
Bruno Fernandes as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth.
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Bruno Fernandes has opened up about a possible summer move to Saudi Arabia from Manchester United.(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that the club were open to him leaving during the summer transfer window, amidst rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia. Speculation was rife about a substantial offer from Al-Hilal, but the deal fell through United held onto their captain and key playmaker.
In an interview with Maisfutebol, Fernandes opened up on United and the exit rumours. He said: "I can't complain, I'm very well paid, but obviously the difference is huge [salary in Saudi Arabia].
"That was never what guided me. If one day I have to play in Saudi Arabia, I'll play in Saudi Arabia. My lifestyle will change, my children's lives will be sunny - after six years in Manchester with cold and rain - I'll be playing in a growing league, with recognised players.
Bruno Fernandes celebrates after teammate Matheus Cunha scores his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
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Bruno Fernandes celebrates Matheus Cunha's goal vs Bournemouth.(Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)
"I could have left like many people do and said; 'I want to leave, I don't want to train, I just want to leave for €20m or €30m, so they pay me more on the other side'. But I never did that. I never felt in a position to do that, because I felt that the empathy and affection I had for the club were the same.
"But there comes a point where, for them, money is more important than anything. The club wanted me to go, I have that in my head. I told the directors this, but I think they didn't have the courage to make that decision.
"I decided to stay, not only for family reasons but because I genuinely like the club. The conversation with the manager also made me stay. But, from the club's side, it felt a bit like; 'If you leave, it's not so bad for us'. That hurt me a lot.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes after the Premier League match at Old Trafford.
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Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes after the Premier League match at Old Trafford.(Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire.)
"More than hurting, it makes me sad because I'm a player they have nothing to criticise about. I'm always available, and I always play - good or bad - I give my all. Then you see things around you, players who don't value the club as much and don't defend the club as much... that makes you sad."
It's a startling revelation from the captain, who has been among those expressing frustration at United's lack of competitiveness in recent seasons. A move to Saudi Arabia could have ended his spell at Old Trafford, which is set to reach the five-year milestone in the coming weeks.
Fernandes disclosed that he had previous connections with Al-Hilal - the club most strongly linked with a move - before he rejected them. Regarding the potential switch, he added: "The president of Al-Hilal spoke to me. He called me directly. [Joao] Neves sent me a message saying he wanted to talk to me.
Bruno Fernandes and Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, celebrate with the Emirates FA Cup in 2024.
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Bruno Fernandes and Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, celebrate with the Emirates FA Cup in 2024.(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
"They wanted him to play in the Club World Cup with Al-Hilal. It was a love that started back in the Jorge Jesus days, he had already called me in 2023."
Just a few months after the saga, as he remains a crucial part of United's setup.The 31 year old still has 18 months left on his existing contract, which runs until 2027 - though there's a club option for an additional year that can be activated.
Whether he'll be eager to remain beyond that period is yet to be determined, especially if those connections with Al-Hilal resurface in the coming months, though he remains a player Ruben Amorim counts on in his squad.
Fernandes has shifted from his traditional No. 10 position into a more withdrawn role this campaign, a change that initially drew some flak for Amorim, but has since proved highly effective.
Bruno Fernandes celebrates after scoring his team's third goal from a free kick during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth.
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Bruno Fernandes celebrates after scoring his team's third goal from a free kick during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth.(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
"The frustration that he feels is because he wants to help a lot," the manager remarked about his club skipper earlier this season as he reached his 300th appearance milestone. "The teammates sometimes it's not the best way but he comes from a good place and you don't know that when you are not here.
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"He wants the responsibility all the time. He suffers a lot with the losses. Every time we don't win a game, you can feel it. He takes it personally, as he should as a captain. He is a great leader, a great footballer.."