Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has dismissed rumours that his decision to stay at Old Trafford was influenced by next year’s World Cup. Despite being linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, the midfielder insists he never considered leaving his current club.
Speculation about potential offers from Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad has been rife, but the Portuguese international is committed to spending at least another season at Old Trafford. At 31, Fernandes still has two years left on his contract, with an option for an additional year, and continues to be a crucial player for Ruben Amorim.
Earlier this year, Fernandes disclosed that Al-Hilal’s president had approached him about a deal. The Saudi team was reportedly prepared to offer a staggering £300million package – £100million for United and a £200million contract for the midfielder.
Despite a challenging season marked by two missed penalties, the former Sporting star has been one of the few bright spots in a disappointing 2024-25 campaign at Old Trafford. He has scored twice so far this season.
Ahead of Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, Fernandes addressed the speculation about his future. His response to staying with United was straightforward.
“I didn’t close the door on moving to Saudi Arabia because of the World Cup,” he declared. “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 has dismissed speculation about his future at United, insisting he is happy where he is and that no discussions have taken place regarding a potential departure next summer.
“That’s an impossible scenario to imagine, because it’s nothing that’s been discussed with me,” he added. “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.”
The Portuguese star is set to feature in Portugal’s World Cup qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday evening. The Nations League champions are currently enjoying a flawless run in Group F, having secured victories over Armenia and Hungary in their bid to qualify for the World Cup in North America next summer.
“We have to take it game by game, even though we know we want to reach the World Cup as quickly as possible,” the 31-year-old told Channel 11. “Our main goal is to win every game, and we’re focused on that, knowing that the dream of the World Cup is always present.
“Since I was little, I’ve dreamed of winning the World Cup, and it’s not just my dream, it’s the dream of all Portuguese people. First, we’ll do everything we can to be there, and then we’ll do everything we can to make that dream come true.”
