Bruno Fernandes says he turned down a big-money offer from Saudi Arabia to continue chasing his dreams at Manchester United.
The United captain is preparing to make his 300th appearance for the club when they face Brighton at Old Trafford on Saturday. Despite tough years at the club, Fernandes insists he remains determined to help United return to the top.
Last season was one of United’s lowest points in decades. They finished 15th in the Premier League, their worst league result since 1973-74, and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham. During the summer, reports suggested Saudi club Al-Hilal wanted to sign Fernandes, but he chose to stay.
He said his decision came down to unfinished business. “The first thing my wife asked me was, ‘Have you achieved everything you wanted at the club?’ She knows I haven’t,” Fernandes explained.
The Portuguese playmaker has often faced criticism for his emotional reactions on the pitch. But manager Ruben Amorim believes Fernandes’ passion reflects his hunger to win major trophies.
“The manager spoke with me,” Fernandes said. “He told me I was part of the project and that he wanted me to stay. The club said the same.”
Fernandes added that he would only consider leaving if the club made it clear they wanted to sell. “If they told me, ‘Bruno, we want to cash in, you’re not part of the plan,’ I’d find another solution. But that wasn’t the case. I still feel I can help the club reach our goals.”
The midfielder, who is under contract until 2027 with an option for another year, says he is focused solely on his football and will not discuss his future until after next year’s World Cup.
“I feel good here,” he said. “I still have dreams to achieve. I’ve seen a lot of stories saying I already have an agreement to leave next season, but none of that is true. If the club has made any deals, they didn’t do it with me.”
“My agent knows I don’t want to talk about my future before the World Cup. Until then, my focus is only on Manchester United.”
