Bruno Fernandes plans to stay at least one more year at Manchester United, talkSPORT understands.
The Red Devils skipper wants to stay at the club and continue playing in Europe, with his position remaining firm.
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Al-Nassr made an informal approach to sign Fernandes following on from Al-Hilal’s attempt to lure him away before the Club World Cup.
It was after that attempt that Saudi chiefs were confident of reaching an agreement to sign the Portugal international.
However, after consulting his family and thinking over his decision, Fernandes opted to stay at Old Trafford.
“There was an opportunity,” the Man United captain said.
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“The [Al Hilal] president called me and asked if I wanted to go there. They were waiting for me.
“I spoke to coach Amorim. He asked me not to go. Manchester United didn’t want to sell me. They don’t need the money.
“If I had wanted to leave, they would have made it happen.”
By staying at United, Fernandes rejected a lucrative £700,000-per-week contract to head to the Middle East.
Al-Hilal were willing to bid up to £100million, with the Saudi side setting multiple deadlines for a decision to be made.
But, after an informal approach from Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Al-Nassr too, he chose to stay in the Premier League and he isn’t planning to change that stance anytime soon.
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What else has Fernandes said?
Fernandes discussed his decision not to leave Man United for Al Hilal in a press conference whilst on international duty.
“I spoke with my family to understand if that was what I wanted for my future,” the midfielder explained.
“It was actually my wife who asked me — I never said yes or no. She put my professional priorities ahead of everything else.
“It would have been an easy move. I had Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo there, two people I have a great friendship with.
“But I want to stay at the highest level, play in big competitions, because I still feel capable.
“I want to keep being happy, I’m still very passionate about this sport, and I’m happy with my decision.”
Bruno Fernandes REJECTS £700,000-a-week Al Hilal transfer to stay at Manchester United
Season closing in
Fernandes committing his future to Man United is, of course, a huge boost for Ruben Amorim and his side.
He has scored twice in pre-season, netting a double against West Ham in the Premier League Summer Series.
There’s no doubt that he will once again have a major impact on the Red Devils, who have brought in two big-money signings.
Bryan Mbuemo and Matheus Cunha have joined the squad and that will help Fernandes remain competing at the top level.
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Benjamin Sesko may also sign amid interest from United and Newcastle, with the latter set to improve their bid.
Amorim’s side begin the new Premier League season on Sunday, August 17, as they host Arsenal at Old Trafford.
