Bruno Fernandes appeared open to a Saudi Pro League move during the summer transfer window, but that door may now be closed permenantly.
Bruno Fernandes has been the saviour of Manchester United on more occasions than any one person can count during his time at Old Trafford.
In the summer, it seemed that his time at United could have been over. He was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, and he even came out to say he didn’t want to leave the club.
“There was an opportunity,” Fernandes told club media in the summer. “The [Al-Hilal] president called me and asked if I wanted to go there. They were waiting for me. I spoke to coach [Rúben] Amorim. He asked me not to go.
“Manchester United didn’t want to sell me. They don’t need the money. If I had wanted to leave, they would have made it happen.”
Since committing his future to United, Fernandes has reached over 200 goal contributions for the club with 104 goals and 99 assists, although his future has come under doubt for this summer, too.
Saudi Pro League handed huge Fernandes blow
Despite Fernandes claiming that if he wanted to leave, United would’ve sold him, new reports have stated that may not necessarily be the case.
Chris Wheeler of The Daily Mail told The United Stand: “Bruno was open to going [to Al-Hilal] and Man United were open to selling.
“Around that time, senior executives at the club in conversations with players and agents were openly saying that there was two budgets.
“One if they sold Bruno and one if they didn’t. They were probably thinking that he would leave, and the budget would be £100 million more.
“I think when Bruno turned down Al-Hilal and Saudi last summer, he probably closed the door on that.
“The message from inside his camp was that he didn’t want to leave before the World Cup, and when they looked at options, it was more towards Europe’s top five leagues.”
United must keep Fernandes for new coach
While Fernandes is now 31 years old, 32 in September, United must do everything they can to keep him at the club for the new head coach next season, especially if they want success quickly.
Read More: Manchester United “bracing for disappointment” with midfield transfer target ‘to sign new contract’
Even if Michael Carrick is the man to lead United into next season, Fernandes will be crucial to any hopes of a positive Premier League showing and a good run in the Champions League, providing Carrick can stay in the top four this season.
His numbers speak for themself, and his leadership is second-to-none in the United squad, despite claims from some former players of the club.
Without the captain, United would seriously, seriously struggle, even with Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount in the squad.
United need their captain.
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