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Bruno Fernandes: United Considered Selling Him, Yet Courage to Decide Was Missing

16 December 2025

Bruno Fernandes: United Considered Selling Him, Yet Courage to Decide Was Missing
Fernandes discusses transfer rumors and his commitment to United.

What Fernandes Shared

Bruno Fernandes, captain of Manchester United, says the club appeared intent on his exit during the recent summer window. He also mentions that a Saudi interest was active and that one offer on the table was substantial enough to tempt many players away.

He states that United rejected a transfer unit that would have kept him in the team, and that the Saudi club was prepared to invest heavily to sign him. The discussions raise questions about how big deals influence decisions at top clubs.

What It Reveals About United

The Portuguese playmaker claims the club valued financial considerations over loyalty, suggesting a reluctance to make a bold decision. He says the management told him they wanted him to depart, but they did not have the courage to act decisively. He attributes his own choice to stay to family considerations and a genuine affection for the club, reinforced by conversations with the coach.

From Fernandes's perspective, there was a sense that leaving would not be catastrophic for the club, which he found painful. He emphasizes his consistency and readiness to contribute, regardless of the mood or result on the pitch, and notes the difficulty of watching teammates not fully defend the club’s interests.

Implications and Takeaways

Fernandes argues that money often shapes decisions more than loyalty, a reality he did not see as his problem but as a signal of the club’s broader stance. He suggests that his life would have changed significantly if a move had occurred, yet he chose to remain for family reasons and because of his deep connection to Manchester United. He leaves open the possibility of a future move if circumstances change, including the potential of playing in Saudi Arabia, which he says could alter his family’s life for the better.

Ultimately, Fernandes portrays a complex balance between ambition, family, and devotion to a club that has given him platform and purpose. The interview offers a rare window into the human side of a high-stakes sport where decisions are as much about relationships as about money.

Punchline time: If your club wallet could talk, it would probably need a bigger chair. And if loyalty paid the bills, Fernandes would own the transfer window. Also: sometimes even a great bind is just a negotiation with the weather—cold rain, warm regrets, and a warm seat in the dressing room. Final zinger: the only thing louder than a transfer rumor is a manager clearing his throat during a Zoom call with the coffee machine cheering in the background.

Author

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Fernandes say about United's attitude to his departure?

He indicated the club wanted him gone during the last window and that money factors weighed into their thinking, though he stayed for personal reasons.

How much did Al Hilal offer to pay, and what would have been the cost to United?

The report mentions a weekly offer of around 700k pounds and a transfer fee exceeding 80 million pounds, which would have kept him highly valued but costly to United.

Why did Fernandes decide to stay at United?

He cited family reasons and genuine affection for the club, reinforced by conversations with the coach, as key factors in his decision to stay.

What is Fernandes's view on the broader club dynamic?

He suggests that money can overshadow loyalty in decision-making and that the club’s courage to act decisively was lacking, from his perspective.