Bruno Fernandes has chosen to stay in Manchester United, despite the Red Devils who have seen a outrageous £ 100 million offer of Al-Hilal for their striking attacking midfielder earlier this week
Roy Keane can feel somewhat embarrassed when Bruno Fernandes set off a colossal £ 100 million move to Al-Hilal. The dedication of the 30-year-old to Manchester United became clear when he declined the Saudi Pro League club of a no less than £ 700k per week and chose to stay with the Red Devils in what seems to be an outright statement of loyalty.
After having criticized the United Legend Keane after a disappointing 3-0 defeat by Manchester City in 2023, where he suggested on Sky Sports that Erik Ten Hag Fernandes should remove from his role as captain because of his observed lack of leadership qualities, the last revelation can save the Pundit.
Keane had said: “The first thing I would do is pick up the Captainincy from him. I know it is a big decision, but Fernandes is not a captain material. He is a talented player, but what I saw today – he hunts, he moans his arms up in the air – it is really not acceptable.
“If you are talking about where they make changes – board level, managers – I would start with that because the manager can do that. Fernandes is a brilliant football player, but he is the opposite of what you want in a captain,” reports Manchester Evening's news.
With the overwhelming 2024/25 season of Manchester United now behind them, a lucrative offer to have been seductive for many players. Fernandes, however, showed his dedication to the Red Devils by rejecting the offer of the Saudi Pro League Club.
Fernandes said on Tuesday with the Portuguese press: “There was a chance. The [Al-Hilal] President called me and asked if I wanted to go there.
“They waited for me. I spoke with coach [Rubem] Amorim. He asked me not to go. Manchester United did not want to sell me. They don't need the money. If I wanted to leave, they would have let it happen. “
He added: “It was an easy step, even at family level. I had Joao Cancelo there, my children are used to playing with him in the national team. We have a great friendship. But I want to maintain myself at the highest level, play in the big competitions and I feel capable of.”
Amorim, who took over the reins from Ten Hag in November, can plan an important overhaul of his hereditary team after struggling to adapt the players to his unique system and style of play. The Red Devils have already taken steps in the summer transfer window, making a £ 62.5 million deal with Wolves for striker Matheus Cunha.
The relocation of the 26-year-old Brazilian is awaiting the approval and registration procedures of visa, and is expected to be completed as soon as he returns from the international service later this month. With an impressive count of 15 goals in 33 performances for Wolves this season, Cunha could be the answer to United's goals.
Rasmus Hojlund, the first-choice of the club, has managed only four goals this season in 32 Premier League performances, while the big signing of last summer, Joshua Zirkzee, has so far scored only three times at the top of the top so far. Elsewhere, it is assumed that United is happy to secure the services of Brentford star, Bryan Mbeumo.
The 25-year-old, who scored 20 goals for the bees this season, is said to see Old Trafford as his favorite destination this summer. According to the Telegraph, United has submitted a package worth a maximum of £ 55 million for the attacker, consisting of an initial £ 45 million plus £ 10 million in add-ons.
However, they may have to increase their offer in order to secure Mbeumo's signature, because Brentford reportedly appreciates £ 60 million. And because he is under contract until the next summer with the option to expand for a year, the bees are not yet in a hurry to still sell the star.