Bruno Fernandes has claimed that Manchester United bosses wanted to sign him in the summer but didn’t have the courage to go against Ruben Amorim.
The United captain, who could have joined Saudi Professional League club Al Hilal for £100m, said in an interview with Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11 that he was “hurt” and “sad” at the way the situation had been handled.
Sky Sports News understands that the club’s leaders had made it clear to Fernandes all summer that he was part of their plans and they had no intention of selling him, and they remain adamant.
Fernandes said in October that United bosses told him they would not stand in their way if he wanted to leave, but that they wanted to keep him.
But the 31-year-old, who is under contract until 2027 with the option of a further year, struck a very different tone in this interview recorded in November.
“I decided not to go (to Saudi Arabia), not just for family reasons, but because I really like the club,” Fernandes said.
“I felt from the club, ‘If you leave, it’s not so bad for us.’ It hurt a little bit. I’m more sad than hurt. I’m a player who has nothing to point out. I’m always available. I’ll always do my best.”
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Amorim publicly stated in the summer that he wanted the midfielder to stay, as Fernandes considered his future.
Fernandes believes that Amorim’s higher-ups were reluctant to take on the head coaching position.
“The club wanted me to go (away),” Fernandes added.
“I told the managers that I didn’t think they had the courage to make that decision just because the coach wanted me to. But I think the club would forgive me if I said I wanted to leave, even if the coach wanted me to stay.”
Could Al Hilal try to sign Fernandes again?
Sky Sports News Chief Reporter Kabe Solhekol
“There is no guarantee that Al Hilal will make a new move for Bruno Fernandes next summer, especially since Al Hilal are about to be bought by billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.
“Al-Hilal is currently majority-owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund.
“Prince Alwaleed’s purchase could value the club up to SAR 2bn (£397.2m) and marks the first time that one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs will be privately owned.
“Al Hilal are expected to spend big in the summer under new owners, but the Saudi club is targeting younger players as Fernandes will turn 32 in September.”
Fernandes reveals he almost left Man United last season
Fernandes was United’s best player under Sir Alex Ferguson, but many thought a £100m offer for the 31-year-old was too good to refuse.
The Portugal international was frustrated by the way he perceived this from within the club after a number of poor performances at United, despite having chances to win silver medals elsewhere.
Fernandes also revealed that he could have left and moved to another club during the season before Saudi Arabia replaced him.
“I was being valued, and the people who value me the most are the clubs, but I feel like I’m walking a bit of a tightrope these days because in England, when a player turns 30, they think he has to change.
“The question of loyalty is not as well-regarded as it used to be. I could have left this market, I was going to earn more, I was going to quit a season ago and I was going to win a lot of trophies this season.”
