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Bruno Fernandes opened up on his decision to turn down big-money Saudi interest to stay at Man United this past summer.
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes (AFP)
To call Bruno Fernandes essential to Manchester United right now would be underselling it.
He’s not just important. He’s been the engine, the spark, and, at times (most times), the rescue act.
The Portuguese playmaker has quietly put together one of the finest seasons of his career in 2025/26, leading the Premier League in assists while dragging an inconsistent United side up the table.
What makes it all the more fascinating? He nearly wasn’t here.
Under former boss Ruben Amorim, Fernandes often looked shackled in a rigid 3-4-3 system that simply didn’t suit him. Rumours of an exit intensified, with interest pouring in, most notably from Al Hilal.
Fernandes On Turning Down Potential Saudi Move
But leaving was never truly on Bruno’s mind.
“I didn’t want to leave the club when we were struggling,” Bruno admitted openly to BBC Sport in a conversation with Wayne Rooney.
“I stayed because I thought I still had something that I can give back to the club,” he added.
In fact, the Al Hilal tabled a massive offer, and United were reportedly willing to let him go if he wanted to — a call Bruno said hurt a lot to hear.
“Obviously the Saudi situation, with the money… there was a lot,” Fernandes said. “The good thing I have in my family is that my wife is pretty down to earth like me.
“We’re very aware that we don’t want to be the richest person in the world. We just want to be the ones that have achieved the dreams they had.”
Fernandes didn’t stay for comfort; he stayed for ambition.
“I want to win the Premier League. I want to win the Champions League. I never hide from that,” he added.
Player of the Year Loading?
In a team still searching for identity, Bruno’s been the one constant.
If United finish strong, don’t be surprised if Fernandes finds himself right at the front of the PFA Player of the Year conversation.
With 18 assists in 33 league games, Fernandes is now within touching distance of history. The all-time single-season Premier League assist record (20) is jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
With five games to go, he needs just three more to claim it outright. And given his current form, it feels inevitable.
April 25, 2026, 09:45 IST
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