Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a move away from Manchester United this month, and has now made his stance on parting ways with Old Trafford crystal clear as the January transfer window heats up
Bruno Fernandes looks frustrated
Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a transfer this month(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
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Bruno Fernandes is not looking to leave Manchester United this month. The club captain has been linked with a move to a number of Saudi clubs in the January window, including Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr and Al Hilal.
It comes as reports suggesting that the 31-year-old is considering his future with the Premier League heavyweights following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. Fernandes met with one of the Portuguese tactician's coaches, Carlos Fernandes, in the aftermath, only heightening concerns that the midfielder could be looking for the exit.
However, according to BBC Sport, sources have now claimed that Fernandes is committed to his current club for the rest of the season. It is understood that he will then reassess his situation this summer, when he enters the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.
Fernandes turned down a mega money move to Al-Hilal last summer, in which, the club were said to be prepared to offer Manchester United £100million for his signature. The Saudi giants were also said to be willing to pay Fernandes £700,000 a week in wages.
Speaking in December about the saga, Fernandes revealed that Amorim urged him not to make the move while also claiming that United wanted him to leave which left him "hurt" given his commitment to the club. Speaking to Canal 11, he said: "More than hurting me, it makes me sad.
"I'm a player that no-one can criticise, I'm always available, I always give my best. I could have left in this transfer window, I would have earned much more money. I would have won many trophies this season, but I decided not to go, not only for family reasons but because I genuinely love the club."
He added: "The club wanted me to leave. I told the directors that, I think they didn't have the courage to make that decision because the manager wanted me. But if I said I wanted to leave, even with the manager wanting me to stay, the club would let me."
Bruno Fernandes reacts
Bruno Fernandes was linked with Al-Hilal last summer(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
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Fernandes has made 310 appearances for United since his transfer from Sporting CP in January 2020. He has racked up 103 goals and 95 assists in that time.
In the wake of Amorim's departure, Michael Carrick has been appointed as the club's interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Speaking about his appointment, the former Reds star said: "Having the responsibility to lead Manchester United is an honour.
“I know what it takes to succeed here; my focus is now on helping the players to reach the standards that we expect at this incredible club, which we know that this group is more than capable of producing.
“I have worked with a number of the players already and have obviously continued to watch the team closely in recent years, I have total belief in their talents, dedication and ability to be successful here.
Bruno Fernandes applauds
Bruno Fernandes joined Manchester United in January 2020(Image: PA)
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“There is still a lot to fight for this season, we are ready to pull everyone together and give the fans the performances that their loyal support deserves.”
It's not the first time that Fernandes will have played under Carrick, considering the Englishman enjoyed a caretaker role with the club in November 2021 following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, the midfielder will hope to impress his new head coach this weekend when United play host to bitter rivals Manchester City.
The clash could prove pivotal for the Reds' hopes of securing European football for 2026/27, currently seventh in the standings and just a point away from the top five. However, Carrick will know the task at hand in overcoming Pep Guardiola's Cityzens.
The two teams have already met this season at the Etihad Stadium in September, with City running out 3-0 winners thanks to a goal from Phil Foden and an Erling Haaland double. However, United fans will be hopeful of contrasting fortunes at the Theatre of Dreams.