Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes admits it “hurt” to understand that the club “wanted me to go” when Al-Hilal from Saudi Arabia made a substantial summer bid.
The 31-year-old Portugal international turned down a transfer to the Saudi Pro League to remain at Old Trafford, even though Al-Hilal was supposedly willing to offer around £100m and salaries of up to £700,000 weekly.
Fernandes holds a contract that extends until 2027, with the possibility of one more year.
He mentioned in October, prior to his 300th appearance for United, that he won’t talk about his future with anyone until after next year’s World Cup.
Reflecting on Al-Hilal’s interest in a recent interview filmed weeks ago, he commented on United’s position: “From the club’s perspective, it seemed like, ‘If you leave, it’s not a big issue for us.” “It causes me some pain.”
Fernandes presented the assertions to Canal 11, a network owned by the Portuguese Football Federation.
“More than hurting me, it makes me sad,” Fernandes said. “I’m a player that no one can criticize; I’m always available, and 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 also because I genuinely love the club.”
Fernandes arrived at United in January 2020 for £47m from the Portuguese team Sporting and has since played 307 matches for the club, netting 103 goals and delivering 93 assists.
This season, he has scored five goals and provided seven assists in the Premier League, featuring a stunning free-kick goal and an assist in Monday’s 4-4 tie against Bournemouth.
In June, Fernandes mentioned that a reason for not joining Al-Hilal was his desire to keep “playing at the highest level,” and it was United coach Ruben Amorim who encouraged him to remain at Old Trafford.
However, Fernandes told Canal 11, “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.”
