Liam Duckstein
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has made a brutally honest admission about his future at Old Trafford, revealing that the club’s hierarchy were prepared to sell him during the summer transfer window amid strong interest from Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to Canal 11, the Portuguese midfielder claimed United’s directors were willing to cash in, but ultimately lacked the courage to push the deal through against the wishes of head coach Ruben Amorim.
Saudi Interest and a €100m Question
Fernandes was heavily linked with a move away from Manchester throughout the summer, with Al Hilal reportedly ready to table a package worth around €100 million. Despite the size of the offer, the 30-year-old remained at United — a decision he insists was driven by loyalty rather than finances.
“In England, when a player turns 30, they think it’s time for a rebuild,” Fernandes explained. “Loyalty isn’t seen the same way as it used to be.”
He continued: “I could have left in this transfer window and earned a lot more money. A year ago, I could have left and won many trophies this season. But I chose to stay — not just for family reasons, but because I genuinely love the club.”
“That Hurts. More Than Hurts, It Makes Me Sad”
Despite his commitment, Fernandes admitted the club’s stance left a bitter taste.
“From the club, it felt like, ‘If you go, it’s not that bad for us.’ That hurts a bit. More than hurting, it makes me sad,” he said. “I’m a player they can’t fault. I’m always available. I always give my best.”
Fernandes went further, suggesting that had he actively pushed for an exit, United would not have stood in his way — even with Amorim backing him.
“The club wanted me to go. I told the directors that. I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision because the coach wanted me to stay,” he added. “If I had said I wanted to leave, even with the coach wanting me to stay, the club would have let me go.”
Saudi Arabia Still an Option — But Not for the Money
While Fernandes confirmed he remains open to a future move to Saudi Arabia, he stressed that money would not be the decisive factor.
“Financially, I can’t complain — even though the difference with Saudi Arabia is huge,” he said. “If I ever go, it won’t be for financial reasons. It will be because of the lifestyle, the sunshine for my kids after six years of cold and rain in Manchester, and because it’s a league that’s growing.”
The United captain also revealed he spoke with Cristiano Ronaldo about the possibility of making the switch, with familiar faces already settled in the region.
“Cristiano gave me advice. We talked about Saudi Arabia — he was the one who brought it up. But the decision was always mine. With Ruben Neves and João Cancelo there, the move would have been easy.”
What This Means for Manchester United
Fernandes’ comments underline a growing disconnect between Manchester United’s leadership and its most influential players. At a time when consistency, leadership, and availability are in short supply at Old Trafford, the idea that the club were willing to part ways with their captain raises serious questions about long-term strategy.
For now, Fernandes remains committed. But his words make one thing clear: loyalty, in modern football, is often a one-way street.