Key Highlights
- Fernandes turned down a lucrative offer from Al Hilal to stay with Manchester United.
- Ruben Amorim and Omar Berrada played key roles in Fernandes’s decision-making process.
- Fernandes expressed his desire to continue playing for Manchester United beyond 2026, aligning with the club’s Project 150 initiative.
- Amorim praised Fernandes for turning down a €40m-per-year net offer from Al Hilal.
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes: A Future in Old Trafford?
Bruno Fernandes, the 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder of Manchester United, has reaffirmed his commitment to staying with the club beyond the 2026 season. Speaking candidly about his future, Fernandes detailed his decision-making process and the factors that influenced him.
Turning Down Al Hilal
Fernandes revealed that he was approached by Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal in the summer of 2025. The offer, which included an annual salary of €40 million net plus bonuses, was considered highly lucrative but ultimately rejected. According to Fernandes, his decision was influenced by a combination of personal and professional factors.
“Al Hilal could offer £80m-£100m,” stated Fernandes. “From there, I spoke with the manager.
I said, ‘Look, this is the offer I have on the table. I have to think about if the club says we want you to go because we want to get more players or whatever’. That was not the case. The club always said to me that they will reinforce the team.”
Amorim’s Influence and Club Commitment
Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s manager at the time, played a significant role in Fernandes’s decision. Amorim praised Fernandes for his professional stance during negotiations with Al Hilal.
“I spoke to Ruben Amorim, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox,” said Fernandes. “At home, I valued my wife Ana’s opinion. ‘Have you achieved everything you wanted to achieve at the club?’, she asked because she knows that I haven’t.”
Amorim also addressed the situation publicly. “Money is important to everyone in life, but I’m not in a position where I should be counting my money or having problems in the future if I do things right,” stated Fernandes, who had previously signed an extension in 2024 running until 2027 with an optional extra year.
Project 150 and Future Ambitions
Fernandes expressed his long-term commitment to Manchester United. “Everyone knows my aim is to win the Premier League and the Champions League with the club,” he said. “If I’m going to do it or not, I’m not going to be able to tell you.” His focus on team success rather than personal accolades reflects a philosophy that aligns with the club’s Project 150 initiative.
The project aims for Manchester United to win the Premier League in their 150th season. “I haven’t been much able to give the success that this club wants and deserves, and also the success that I wanted in my head when I signed for United,” Fernandes admitted. “But as I always say, I haven’t done well enough because I haven’t achieved what I want.”
Training Ground Dynamics and Future Prospects
Fernandes discussed his relationship with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s co-owner, and how it influences team dynamics. He also spoke about his running habits and the impact of competition in the team. “Everyone knows my aim is to win the Premier League and the Champions League,” he reiterated.
Looking ahead, Fernandes expressed interest in a career in coaching post-retirement. “I really like that side of football,” he said. “It’s something that I always spoke with Juan (Mata) about. But (coaching) is something I would like to do.” His vision for the future includes mentoring and supporting young players, a role he sees as fulfilling.
The key points from Fernandes’s interview highlight his commitment to Manchester United while also emphasizing the club’s ambitions under new ownership and leadership. As the team looks towards Project 150, Fernandes remains an integral part of their plans for success in the Premier League and beyond.
