Manchester United have come under pressure from suitors, namely Saudi Arabian clubs, for captain Bruno Fernandes
20:12, 10 Oct 2025Updated 20:37, 10 Oct 2025
Bruno Fernandes has clarified his Man United future.(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has reiterated that he wanted to stay at the club but says he ‘didn’t close the door’ to a move to Saudi Arabia. The United star has faced scrutiny over his future at Old Trafford following reports of interest from Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad.
The 31-year-old reaffirmed his happiness within Ruben Amorim’s side as he has established himself as a key figure in the United midfield. Fernandes has remained loyal despite misfortune at the Theatre of Dreams in recent years.
During the summer, reports of Fernandes becoming the latest high-profile departure to the Saudi Pro League were mooted, but he remained in the Premier League.
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Speaking ahead of Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, the midfielder addressed speculation regarding his future.
“I didn’t close the door on moving to Saudi Arabia because of the World Cup,” he said.
“That was never in my mind. I wanted to stay at Manchester United, and the club wanted me to stay. That’s all there is to it.”
Fernandes addressed the prospect of a departure in the summer with the threat of Saudi Arabia returning to the table.
The 31-year-old responded: “That’s an impossible scenario to imagine, because it’s nothing that’s been discussed with me.
“When it was discussed with me, I spoke openly with you at a press conference before a Nations League match.
“I like to enjoy the moment, and the most important thing for me now is representing the national team, because it’s a source of enormous pride to be able to play tomorrow [Saturday], and I still don’t know if I’ll play, let alone if I’ll leave Manchester United in a year.
“I’m happy where I am; otherwise, I wouldn’t have stayed, but it’s something that doesn’t affect me.”
Fernandes has two years remaining on his contract in the North West, with his current deal active until 2027.
United’s defeat in the Europa League in May denied the club the chance to qualify for the Champions League through the back door, following one of their worst-ever performances in England’s top-flight.
Form hasn’t changed too dramatically with pressure mounting on Amorim after a difficult start to the campaign. Their win over Sunderland on the eve of the international break saw them move into the top half of the table as they bounced back from their defeat to Brentford.
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