Bruno Fernandes faces a big decision over his future this summer with Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal ready to test Manchester United’s resolve and that of their captain
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was greeted by young fans urging him to stick around during an open training session during the club’s post-season tour. The Portuguese midfielder remains the subject of interest from Al Hilal, but supporters’ chants of “please stay” made their feelings clear.
Saudi giants Al Hilal want to sign the 30-year-old in time for their upcoming Club World Cup campaign. The Riyadh side are reportedly ready to fork out £100million on a transfer fee and the same amount in wages and add-ons.
Fernandes is currently in Kuala Lumpur, where United are in post-season action. It’s there that the chants were heard, with the first of two friendlies taking part against an ASEAN All-Stars XI on Wednesday.
The midfielder isn’t expected to have long to make a decision on his future. Indeed, there have been suggestions Al Hilal are only ready to wait three days for a yes-or-no answer due to their summer engagements.
Al Hilal qualiied for the Club World Cup by winning the AFC Champions League in 2021. They have been drawn in a group with Real Madrid, Pachuca and Red Bull Salzburg, with their first match taking place on June 18.
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Cunha’s Man Utd medical, Arsenal announcement, Wirtz to Liverpool statementREAD MORE: Ruben Amorim’s brutal dig at Alejandro Garnacho with entire Man Utd squad watching
United head coach Ruben Amorim was asked about his compatriot Fernandes after the team rounded off the season with victory over Aston Villa. “He’s really important for us and really important for what we want to build with this team,” the 40-year-old said.
“The last game the team was without pressure, they performed quite well, everybody wants the ball, the team has different moments and in different moments Bruno [Fernandes] takes responsibility.”
It’s not just on the ball where Fernandes has proved his worth to United. Speaking after that final game, in which he scored United’s second goal from the penalty spot, Christian Eriksen spoke about the captain’s role in his special moment.
“On the pitch, Bruno was asking if I was going to take the penalty,” Eriksen said. “I said no and that I’ll give it to Jonny [Evans]. But Jonny didn’t want to take it. It was a nice gesture. Bruno is the number one and he decides. And luckily he gave it to me today. It was a good way to see it off.
“[Losing the Europa League final on] Wednesday was a big blow. To lose a final is never nice. But we showed character to bounce back and finish the season with a smile and to give something to us and the fans.”
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
