Man United Reaffirms Commitment to Midfielder Despite Claims They Wanted to Sell Him

Insiders at Manchester United have strongly rejected claims that the club considered selling Bruno Fernandes last summer, asserting that the Portuguese midfielder has always been integral to their long-term strategy. Despite notable interest from top clubs in the Saudi Pro League, it is believed that key figures at Old Trafford were resolute in their intention to keep the club captain and build the team around him, as reported by journalist Ben Jacobs. The interest from Saudi clubs in Fernandes heightened during the last transfer window, with Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad all investigating the possibility of a significant transfer. The financial offers made were substantial, leading many to speculate that United might be tempted to allow a player nearing his thirties to leave.
However, club sources maintain that there was never a real willingness to sell Bruno Fernandes. Currently, there remains no inclination from United’s management to part with Fernandes, who is still viewed as a pillar of the club’s sporting project under Ruben Amorim and the INEOS-led football framework. Within the organization, Fernandes is recognized not only as a creative force on the field but also as a standard-bearer in training and a vital component in fostering dressing-room culture during a transitional phase. This stance has been complicated by Fernandes’ recent statements, which suggested a possible openness to a transfer. These comments raised questions among fans and analysts, but they contrast sharply with earlier comments from the midfielder that conveyed a different narrative. In October, Fernandes expressed confidence in the discussions he had behind the scenes. “The manager spoke with me,” Fernandes stated at that time. “He said I was still part of the project. He wanted me to stay. The club said the same. I felt that I was still part of the plan.”
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Fernandes Had Interest from Saudi Arabia Bruno Fernandes of Man United (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) That message echoes what United insiders have been asserting. While interest from Saudi Arabia continues to exist and is expected to resurface in upcoming transfer windows, Fernandes ultimately concluded that moving last summer was not the correct choice. Family factors played a significant role, as did his ambition to stay competitive in European football ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he aspires to play a vital role for Portugal. It is reported that Fernandes directly communicated this choice to the Saudi clubs, indicating that while he appreciated the attention, his focus was on maintaining his presence at the highest level in Europe. United, in turn, embraced this position and continue to regard him as a key player in their future plans both on and off the field. ‘Man United firmly in the race’: Sky Sports drops intriguing Manchester United transfer update
Published: 2025-12-17 08:02:00
source: www.caughtoffside.com

