Bruno Fernandes Reveals Why He Rejected £100m Saudi Offer to Stay at Manchester United but Admits Future Uncertainty

‎Bruno Fernandes has revealed that his love for Manchester United was the key reason he turned down a lucrative £100m move to the Saudi Pro League last summer. The club captain confirmed he had no intention of leaving Old Trafford, even as several Middle Eastern sides offered him a staggering £33m per year in wages.

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‎Bruno Fernandes confirms he turned down a £100m Saudi move out of loyalty to Manchester United but admits his Old Trafford future is uncertain.

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‎The Portuguese playmaker addressed ongoing speculation about his future, insisting that his decision to stay was not influenced by the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Fernandes emphasized that both he and Manchester United wanted him to remain at the club, putting to rest reports that he stayed only to maintain fitness and form ahead of the global tournament.

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‎Fernandes Rejected Big-Money Offers to Stay Loyal to United

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‎Clubs from Saudi Arabia were eager to sign Fernandes, viewing the midfielder as one of Europe’s most valuable creative forces. The 30-year-old, however, made it clear that money was not a deciding factor. Reports had suggested that he might consider a switch to another European side or Major League Soccer after the 2026 World Cup, but his immediate focus remains firmly on Manchester United’s current campaign.

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‎The midfielder has been one of United’s standout performers since joining in 2020 and continues to be a driving force in the team. Despite the Red Devils’ 15th-place Premier League finish last season, Fernandes maintained his commitment to the club. He stated that his loyalty was reciprocated by the club hierarchy, who were determined to keep him at Old Trafford.

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‎Manchester United Captain Leaves Future Open

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‎Speaking ahead of Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, Fernandes dismissed claims that the World Cup influenced his summer decisions. “I didn't close the door on moving to Saudi Arabia because of the World Cup. That was never in my mind. I wanted to stay at Manchester United, and the club wanted me to stay,” Fernandes told the Daily Mail.

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‎However, the midfielder did not rule out a future move entirely, admitting that discussions about what happens beyond this season have not taken place. He added that he prefers to live in the moment rather than speculate about the future, focusing instead on representing Portugal with pride.

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‎Fernandes’ Role Evolves Under Amorim

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‎Ruben Amorim’s side has endured a difficult start to the season, struggling to find consistency in the Premier League. Fernandes has been deployed in a deeper midfield position to accommodate new arrivals Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko. The tactical adjustment has slightly altered his creative influence, though his leadership on the pitch remains evident.

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‎Manchester United’s current challenges have done little to dampen speculation about Fernandes’ long-term future, especially given his value and status as one of the league’s elite players. Yet, for now, the midfielder insists he is content at Old Trafford and focused on contributing to both club and country.

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‎Portugal’s World Cup Hopes Remain Strong

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‎Portugal face the Republic of Ireland and Hungary in their next qualifiers, needing back-to-back victories to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For Fernandes and his teammates, qualification would mark another opportunity to represent a golden generation of Portuguese talent on the world stage.

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‎The Manchester United captain continues to play a central role for his national team, balancing club responsibilities with the ambition of leading Portugal to another successful tournament run.