Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has unleashed a damning assessment of the club’s hierarchy, claiming they secretly wanted to sell him to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal but ultimately lacked the ‘courage’ to push the deal through against the manager’s wishes.
The Portuguese playmaker, who has been a pivotal figure since his arrival at Old Trafford, was the subject of an eye-watering bid from the Saudi Pro League club during the recent transfer window. It was widely reported that Al-Hilal offered a fee north of £100 million to United and a staggering personal wage package, potentially reaching £700,000 per week, for the 31-year-old midfielder.
Despite the astronomical figures, Fernandes remained at the club. However, in a candid interview, the Portugal international suggested his commitment was not entirely mirrored by those in the boardroom.
“I felt that the club’s stance was ‘if you go, it’s not a big problem for us’,” Fernandes stated. “It hurts me a little. More than hurting me, it makes me sad. I am a player that no one can criticise; I am always available, I always give my best.”
The club captain then delivered the most stinging critique, implying that senior figures had been eager to cash in on the offer but were unwilling to defy the wishes of manager Ruben Amorim, who reportedly insisted that Fernandes was integral to his plans and an ‘untouchable’ asset.
“They wanted to sell me, but they didn’t have the courage to tell the manager they were selling me,” he revealed. This sentiment paints a picture of internal conflict at Old Trafford, where commercial motivations and the desperate need for transfer funds appear to have clashed with the new manager’s on-field vision.
Fernandes confirmed that the financial disparity between his current earnings and the proposed Saudi contract was “massive” but reiterated his decision to stay was not based on money, but genuine affection for the team. “If I ever go to play in Saudi Arabia, I will go because the lifestyle will change, my children’s lives will be sunny,” he commented, perhaps hinting at a potential future move but making it clear his immediate loyalty lies with United.
His remarks shine a critical light on the structural reality at the club, suggesting a disjointed approach to key player retention and transfer strategy, even as a new regime under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s influence attempts to restore order and rebuild the squad.
