Bruno Fernandes: Man United captain ‘hurt’ over failed Saudi move

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has admitted it was painful to feel that the club would have accepted his departure when he was the subject of strong interest from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal during the summer.

The Portugal international turned down the proposed move to the Saudi Pro League, despite reports suggesting Al-Hilal were prepared to offer a transfer fee of around £100 million and wages of up to £700,000 per week.

Fernandes, who is under contract at Old Trafford until 2027 with the option of an additional year, ultimately chose to remain with United.

Bruno Fernandes: ‘I could have left’ Man United

Reflecting on the situation in an interview with Canal 11, a broadcaster owned by the Portuguese Football Federation, Fernandes suggested the club’s position left him feeling undervalued.

“From the club I felt it was, ‘If you go it’s not so bad for us’. It hurts me a bit,” Fernandes said.

The 31-year-old, who made his 300th appearance for United earlier this season, has previously stated that he does not intend to discuss his long-term future until after next year’s World Cup. Looking back on the Al-Hilal approach, he admitted the episode had a lasting emotional impact.

“More than hurting me, it makes me sad,” Fernandes said. “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.”

Bruno Fernandes: Man United stats

Fernandes joined United from Sporting in January 2020 for £47m and has since become a central figure, making 307 appearances, scoring 103 goals and registering 93 assists.

This season, he has contributed five goals and seven assists in the Premier League, including a standout free-kick and an assist in Monday’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.

In June, Fernandes explained that one of the reasons he rejected Al-Hilal was his desire to continue to “play at the highest level”, adding that United head coach Ruben Amorim played a key role in convincing him to stay.

However, Fernandes claimed the club hierarchy would not have stood in his way had he decided otherwise.

“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.”