Gary Neville has responded to Bruno Fernandes’ decision to turn down a lucrative deal from Saudi Arabian Pro League Club Al-Hilal.
Bruno Fernandes has turned down a staggering offer from Al-Hilal that would have made him one of the best-paid footballers ever.
The Saudi Pro League club had proposed a £700,000-per-week contract to the 30-year-old, enticing him with the chance to play in the Middle East and take part in the Club World Cup. They were also willing to pay Manchester United up to £100 million this week to secure the transfer.
However, after discussions with his family and club officials, Fernandes has decided to stay and honour his contract at United.
He is determined to remain in Europe, competing at the highest level, and believes he still has plenty to contribute to at Old Trafford.
Gary Neville responds to Bruno’s decision
Fernandes’ choice to remain at United has surprised many in the football community, especially after reports earlier this week suggested Al-Hilal were optimistic about securing the deal.
However, with Fernandes staying put and United appearing close to completing the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in the near future, the trajectory of United’s summer transfer window has shifted significantly.
And this commitment hasn’t went unnoticed by former United fullback Gary Neville, who said: “I don’t think anyone has doubted his commitment to Manchester United over the last few years, he plays every single week, he hardly misses a game, he’s consistent his chances created, goals and assists have been sensational the fact that he wants to stay, go through this and come out the other side.
“It would have been easy for him to say at the end of this season, look I’m done here, there would have been a huge amount of money on the table for him to go over to Saudi, but, the fact that he’s stayed I think that will endear himself to those Manchester United fans even more.
“The idea to turn that money down at a point where Manchester United are at there lowest, and say no, I want to fight through this. I want to see it through the other side. I want to come out and achieve things,I think says a lot about him as a person, as a character and I think United fans will warm to that because at this moment in time the club needs people who will run through a brick wall for them.”
Bruno’s decision to stay and fight through this turbulent period at United speaks volumes about the captains focus and attitude towards the club, despite the large fee gained it would be a massive loss considering the fact that a similar personality is so hard to come by.
Saudi sides hopeful to land another United player
Al-Hilal’s failure to secure Fernandes this summer has opened the door for their rivals, Al-Nassr, the club of Cristiano Ronaldo, to try and gain the upper hand by targeting another United star.
Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Al-Nassr are considering a move for Alejandro Garnacho this summer, especially given the possibility that Luis Diaz might remain at Liverpool. Meanwhile, NEOM SC are also interested in signing the 20-year-old winger.
Read More: Bryan Mbeumo reveals Manchester United legend on back of first-ever shirt as transfer decision made
“Keep an eye on Al-Nassr in particular,” Jacobs said on The United Stand YouTube channel. “As I exclusively revealed a few weeks ago, Al-Nassr’s first choice is Luis Diaz, but it’s not a guarantee that he will exit, because Liverpool are kind of 50-50, and it will depend on the offer and the player.
“If Diaz doesn’t go, Garnacho is also on Al-Nassr’s list, and another club that really like him are NEOM SC, but I’m not so sure that Garnacho would accept NEOM’s proposal, because the finances will be less.”
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