Manchester United received a big boost after Bruno Fernandes announced that he had rejected a huge move to Saudi Arabia this summer when the Portuguese playmaker insisted he wanted to stay at the highest level
Bruno Fernandes made his reasons clear because he wanted to stay in Manchester United this summer and this summer is getting a lucrative move to Al-Hilal. The United Skipper certainly seemed to be moving to Saudi Arabia after reports Al-Hilal were ready to pay a package of £ 300 million to secure his signature.
United is said to have collected a transfer costs of £ 100 million, with Bruno Fernandes surrendering an eye-water contract worth around £ 200 million in a movement that would see him participate in Countrymen Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves.
But Fernandes issued a statement on Tuesday evening in which he explains in the first place that he wants to continue playing at the highest possible level in Europe and fully believes that he can do this.
“It would have been an easy move,” he said. “I had Ruben Neves and Joao Annulo there, two people with whom I have a great friendship. But I want to stay at the highest level, play in large competitions, because I still feel capable.”
Another factor was that Ruben Amorim wanted him to stay in Old Trafford. The coach has always maintained that he did not want his captain to leave and hoped that the Portugal International would lead the revival of the team under his leadership.
Speaking after their tour after the season in Asia, he said: “I think he wants to stay. He says no to many things, but he chose that he wants to win. I think he is really good and that he should be on the best competition in the world.”
The support of United to Fernandes also helped his decision. In any case, the club hierarchy was relaxed about his future and although they missed a huge payment day that would have facilitated their financial situation, Fernandes on board will be a huge boost to return for their hope for next season.
The 30-year-old also called his family as an important reason for him who ended Saudi interest. He did not want to uproot his family from their permanent life in Manchester and forcing a cultural change in the middle. His wife Ana Pinho would have been crucial in the decision to stay.
Fernandes explained: “I spoke with my family to understand if that was what I wanted for my future,” Fernandes said to Germany for the semi -final of Portugal tonight.
“It was actually my wife who asked me – I never said yes or no. She has set my professional priorities for everything else.”
Now that he has clarified his position, Amorim will hope to have him on board for his rebuilding of the team that has already seen him signing Matheus Cunha van Wolves, while Bryan Mbeumo is expected to participate from Brentford.