Red Devils captain reflects on summer interest from Al-Hilal
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has expressed his disappointment at how the club handled interest in him from Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer window.
The Portugal international said he was left with the impression that United would have been comfortable allowing him to leave Old Trafford amid reported interest from Al-Hilal and the prospect of a lucrative contract.
Fernandes, 31, was linked with a move worth around £100 million (€113m), with suggestions he could have earned significantly higher wages in the Saudi Pro League, but ultimately remained at United for the 2025/26 season.
Manchester United were happy to sell
Speaking to Canal 11 on Tuesday, some five months after the Saudi transfer rumours, Fernandes admitted the situation affected him personally, despite his long-standing commitment to the club.
“From the club I felt it was, ‘If you go it’s not so bad for us’. It hurts me a bit,” he told the Portuguese Football Federation-owned channel.
“More than hurting me, it makes me sad. I’m a player that no-one can criticise, I’m always available, I always give my best,” he added.
Fernandes suggested that, while there was no direct pressure placed on him to leave, the club’s stance was clear enough. He also revealed he had been open with United’s hierarchy about how he perceived their position.
Bruno Fernandes in the Premier League this season:
⚽ Second-most goals and assists (12)
🅰️ Most assists (7)
🪄 Most chances created (50)Best midfielder in the world? 🌍 pic.twitter.com/w9CFPkqaNp
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 15, 2025
“I could have left in this transfer window, I would have earned much more money,” Fernandes said. “I would have won many trophies this season, but I decided not to go, not only for family reasons but because I genuinely love the club.”
According to Fernandes, United head coach Bruno Amorim was keen for him to stay, but that support did not necessarily extend across the rest of the club’s decision-makers.
“The club wanted me to leave. I told the directors that,” he said. “I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision because the manager wanted me.
“But if I said I wanted to leave, even with the manager wanting me to stay, the club would let me.”
Fernandes has been United’s captain since the 23/24 season and remains a central figure in their midfield, having consistently been one of the side’s most available and productive players since joining from Sporting CP in 2020.