Fernandes makes Man Utd exit feelings clear to dressing room after talks | Football | Sport

Bruno Fernandes has reportedly informed Manchester United teammates that he will remain at Old Trafford this summer. The Reds captain has previously been the subject of speculation regarding a potential departure from M16.

It is understood that Fernandes gave serious thought to a switch to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal last year. His representative, Miguel Pinho, held discussions with the Middle Eastern club regarding a potential £100million move.

The Reds did not dismiss the possibility of his departure, but the Portugal international decided against the transfer following conversations with his family. Fernandes subsequently enjoyed the finest season of his United career.

The 31-year-old registered 21 assists in the Premier League last term – surpassing the all-time single-season record previously held by Kevin de Bruyne and Thierry Henry.

TalkSPORT report that while Fernandes has not engaged in any official discussions with the club regarding his future ahead of the World Cup, he has already informed teammates and those in his inner circle that he plans to remain at United.

Fernandes disclosed in April that his wife persuaded him to stay. Speaking to the Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport, he said: “I stayed because I thought I still had something that I can give back to the club.

“Obviously the Saudi situation, with the money… there was a lot. The good thing I have in my family is that my wife is pretty down to earth like me.

“We’re very aware that we don’t want to be the richest person in the world. We just want to be the ones that have achieved the dreams they had and live a good life with their kids and trying to be as successful as possible.

“The words of my wife were like, ‘have you achieved your dreams? Have you achieved everything you wanted?’

“And that small thing she said made me understand that she’s on the same page as me. Let’s keep trying and see where this takes me.”

Fernandes made the move to Old Trafford in 2019 from Sporting and has since racked up 327 appearances, netting 107 goals in the process.

The midfielder marked his World Cup campaign with his first goal contribution on Tuesday, setting up Cristiano Ronaldo’s second in a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.