Rio Ferdinand is convinced that one first-team Manchester United star under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford has “unfinished business” after the player made a key decision.
Manchester United ended their 2024-25 campaign on a low point after the Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League table under manager Ruben Amorim.
Amorim’s men deeply underwhelmed in the Premier League and the Red Devils were unable to pick up their form after Erik ten Hag was sacked as United manager.
Erik ten Hag was dismissed from his post last October and Amorim left Sporting CP and became United manager last November amid the 2024-25 campaign.
Amorim came within touching distance of his first piece of major silverware as Red Devils head coach, but United fell short in the Europa League final in May.
United faced Tottenham in the Europa League in Bilbao and Premier League side Spurs came out on top with a 1-0 victory at the San Mames Stadium.
Rio Ferdinand’s assessment of Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford and the Man Utd captain’s major transfer call
Bruno Fernandes was linked with Al Hilal in recent weeks and the Saudi Pro League side reportedly offered a lucrative package to lure the Portugal star to Saudi Arabia.
The Manchester United captain is widely viewed as the club’s best signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era and Bruno Fernandes has been an influential force.
Fernandes retained the captain’s armband under Ruben Amorim and the United manager has spoken openly about the Portugal star’s role and impact in his team.
The 30-year-old Portugal international turned down the decision to leave Old Trafford in the summer window and will remain at United for next season.
Speaking to The Daily Mirror, TV pundit Rio Ferdinand insisted that United captain Fernandes is a rare example of when the word “loyalty” is shown in full force.
“The one thing it says to me, there’s a loyalty,” he said.
“And I think that word gets banded about quite a lot, but we don’t really see it often from the club’s point of view and the players.
“I understand it’s a business. But I think he looks at this as pure, ‘I’ve got unfinished business at United. There’s stuff I want to do here. Yes, I’ve been paid well here. The fans love me.’
“But I think he’s in the game of wanting to give back after all he’s received.”
Rio Ferdinand’s feelings are made clear about Bruno Fernandes after the Man Utd midfielder rejected the Al Hilal transfer
Ferdinand admitted that he has “respect” for Bruno Fernandes and the United legend would have struggled to turn down Al Hilal’s approach if he were in his position.
The 46-year-old former United star told the newspaper: “So, I’ve got nothing but respect for him.
“I would have understood him leaving if he left, 100 [per cent]. But the fact that he stayed and said there’s stuff for me still to do here.
“I think it’s a testament to him as a person, but also another reason why managers comfortably give him the armband.
“If I [were] him, I think I’d have found it difficult to say no [to Al Hilal]. I’ve got to be honest.”
Fernandes impressed for the Red Devils last season and the United midfielder netted 19 times and registered 19 assists in 57 matches across all competitions.
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