Bruno Fernandes turned down a major offer from the Saudi Pro League this summer to stay at Manchester United.
After signing for Manchester United from Sporting CP in January 2020, Bruno Fernandes instantly became the team’s most valuable player.
The Portugal international has had an incredible influence on the pitch and has since become one of the most creative players in the Premier League.
Furthermore, Fernandes has been voted Player of the Year at United on four separate occasions, equalling the record set by David de Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The objective this season is for United to bounce back after a turbulent 2024/25 campaign. Fernandes will be key to that so long as he stays fit.
Bruno Fernandes has yet to fulfil his dreams
Al-Hilal had an offer rejected by Fernandes earlier this summer.
On top of that, Al-Nassr attempted to lure Fernandes away from Old Trafford, but they were unable to convince the Portuguese star to leave United.
In a new interview, Fernandes has explained the reason behind his decision to stay at United and reject a major proposal from Al-Hilal.
“I haven’t fulfilled my dreams here yet,” Fernandes told Sky Sports. “I think I can still give something to the club. I think I’m still in a position where I’m helpful, so I will be here until the club decides it’s time to go.
“I know it was tough on the club to decide that because it was a big amount of money that the club had never got in the past. Probably since Cristiano [Ronaldo] left [in 2009] that they got so much for a player.
“I know, for the club, it was tough to decide because on one side they had the club captain, a player who has been important for them even if at times I’ve not been great. I’ve been performing and everything, I know the public eye will be bad if things go wrong. But it will be very good if things go well if they sell me and get more players.
“In my mind, I’ve always said, this is the place where I want to be. The dream of coming and playing in the Premier League, for me, is the biggest league in the world. I want to fulfil my dreams of staying here and winning more things with the club.”
United are stronger with Fernandes than without – but it’s time for some of the other players to take some of the weight off his shoulders.
“I know people will have different opinions; ‘he’s 30 years old, getting old’. I still can run, fight, score goals and help my teammates. I can still do everything that I was doing five years ago when I first came and everyone was excited with me.”
Fernandes stats at Man Utd
Fernandes goes into the new season having already made 290 appearances for United.
The 30-year-old is two goals away from his 100th in a United shirt.
On top of that, Fernandes has proven to be a master of assists, after registering 86 during his time at the club.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 290 | 98 | 86 |
Fernandes will be looking to remain prolific throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
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