Fernandes explains why he rejected £300m Man Utd exit and reveals Amorim talks

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has broken his silence on his decision to reject Al-Hilal, insisting he wanted to remain "at the highest level" despite receiving an "ambitious" proposal" from the Saudi outfit. Fernandes looked certain to leave amid reports Al-Hilal were ready to pay a £300million package - £100m for United and a £200m contract for the Portuguese playmaker.
But after Fernandes opted to reject the move - which would have pocketed him around £700,000-a-week, he has now spoken out to clarify his decision.
"I will answer and I asked that you not ask me any more about it,' Fernandes said. "There was that possibility, the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask me about it. There was a waiting period for me to think about the future.
"As I have always said, I would be willing to do it if Manchester United thought so. I spoke to coach Ruben Amorim who, throughout that period, was very annoying to me not to go. The club said they would not be willing to sell me, only if I wanted to leave."
Fernandes went on to admit the Al-Hilal offer was "very ambitious" and said it would have been an "easy" move given his friendship with countryman Joao Cancelo, who is already at the club.
But he said he still feels he can make an impact in Europe by playing in the biggest competitions at the top level.
"It was a very ambitious proposal," he added. "The president was a fantastic person, we never discussed the amount [initially]. With my agent of course. Then, I spoke to my wife and family, and she asked me what my personal goals were in my career.
"It was an easy move, even at a family level... I had Joao Cancelo there, my children are used to playing with him in the national team. We have a great friendship. But I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions. and I feel capable of it."
Fernandes' claim that he wants to play at the top level could mean that Fernandes still wants to leave the club for another side in Europe, after the team finished 15th in what was their worst ever season in the Premier League.
The playmaker featured for United in their post-season tour in Asia but boss Ruben Amorim - who has maintained he does not want to lose his skipper - does not think he has played his last game for the club.
"I don't think so," he said. "I don't know for sure. I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things. The club can find other ways to make money. The feeling I get is that he wants to continue for sure with Man United, you never know."
United will hope to entice Fernandes to stay by doing their talking in the transfer window. They have already announced the arrival of Wolves star Matheus Cunha and look likely to bring in Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford next.
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