Bruno Fernandes has hinted at his final decision regarding his future at Manchester United after Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal gave him a 72-hour transfer deadline.
Manchester United brought the curtain down on their 2024/25 season with a stylish 2-0 win over Aston Villa in front of a sun-soaked Old Trafford crowd.
The hosts started fast, with Mason Mount twice testing Emi Martínez in the early minutes. Rúben Amorim’s men looked sharp and purposeful, carving out several early chances but continuing their season-long struggle to convert pressure into goals.
The breakthrough didn’t come in the first half, but momentum swung firmly United’s way just before the interval when Martínez was shown a straight red card for a reckless tackle on Rasmus Højlund.
United turned up the pressure in the second half, with Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Højlund all going close. Villa had a brief moment of hope when Morgan Rogers found the net, but the goal was rightly disallowed for a foul on Altay Bayındır.
The deadlock was finally broken with 15 minutes to go as Amad headed home a superb Fernandes cross. In the final moments, Christian Eriksen stepped up to bury a penalty in his farewell appearance at Old Trafford, sealing a deserved win and a positive end to the campaign.
Al-Hilal set 72-hour transfer deadline for Fernandes
A few days ago, a report from GiveMeSport revealed that Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal were going all-in on a transfer coup to try and swoop Fernandes from United this summer.
It was claimed that the Saudi side had offered the 30-year-old a three-year contract worth as much as £65 million a season. United would receive a £100 million transfer fee for the Portuguese international as compensation.
However, with Al-Hilal wanting Fernandes to compete for them in the June’s Club World Cup, they had the player a 72-hour deadline to either accept or refuse their offer, with the Saudi side feeling the player is open to the move.
United’s position on the matter is that, if possible, they do not want to lose Fernandes this summer, but if he requests to leave, they would likely not stand in his way.
Fernandes is thinking about next season with United
Following the club’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, the club captain praised his teammates for their creativity, and confirmed that he is currently only thinking about starting next season well at United.
“I think we did very well, still created a lot of chances, could and should have scored in the first half, but we didn’t,” Fernandes told MUTV. “In the second half we got our two goals and that’s amazing for the way we finished the season, but more important is the way we’re going to start the next one.
After receiving praise for the way he acts at United captain, Fernandes explained that it remains his “dream” to play at Mancehster United.
“I want to help as much as I can,” Fernandes continued. “I’m living my dream, so I’m just a very lucky guy that is living his dream in one of the best clubs in the world, in the best league in the world. So, what more can I ask?
“I just have to give it all for myself, for my teammates, for my fans, for everyone that’s been through every moment with me, and that’s all.”
While Al-Hilal will be hoping they reiceve positive indications from Fernandes in the next few days, the player seems to be leaning toward staying at United this summer and beyond.
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