Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has delivered a startling critique of the club's hierarchy, claiming directors "wanted" him to leave and that their stance "hurt" him, despite his decision to reject a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
Loyalty Questioned as Fernandes Reveals Exit Pressure
In a candid interview with the Portuguese Football Federation's Canal 11, the 31-year-old midfielder opened up about the turbulent recent transfer windows. He confirmed intense interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who reportedly offered £100 million to Manchester United and a staggering £700,000-a-week salary to the player himself.
"I could have left in the last transfer window and would have earned a lot more money," Fernandes stated. "Financially, it would have been much better for me. At one point I was going to leave – I won’t say where – but I would have won many trophies that season."
He attributed his decision to stay to family reasons, a genuine affection for the club, and a conversation with the manager. However, he expressed deep disappointment with the attitude of the club's directors, which included football director Jason Wilcox, chief executive Omar Berrada, and INEOS lead Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
"From the club’s side, I felt a bit of: ‘If you go, it’s not really that bad for us.’ That hurts me a little," Fernandes revealed. "More than hurting, it makes me sad, because I’m a player they have nothing to criticise me for."
A Captain's Frustration with Teammates and Hierarchy
The Portuguese international, who signed a new contract until 2027 last August, contrasted his own commitment with that of some unnamed teammates. He suggested a decline in traditional values at the top level of football.
"Nowadays, the issue of loyalty is no longer seen the way it used to be," he lamented. "Then you look around you and see players who don’t value the club as much as you do and who don’t defend the club as much. That makes you sad."
Fernandes was adamant that he never forced an exit, even during the club's difficult periods. "I could have done what many people do and said: ‘I want to leave the club, I don’t want to train...’ But I never did that," he asserted.
He directly challenged the club's leadership, claiming: "The club wanted me to leave – I have that in my head. I told the directors that but I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision because the manager wanted me to stay. If I had said I wanted to leave, even with the manager wanting me to stay, they would have let me go."
Saudi Future Not Ruled Out as United Insist He's Key
Despite the friction, it is understood that Manchester United's current stance is that Fernandes remains a fundamental part of their long-term plans, and they have no desire to sell him. The club's hierarchy were reportedly clear last summer that he was central to their project.
Fernandes did not close the door on a future move to Saudi Arabia, framing it as a lifestyle choice rather than a purely financial one. "It’s not about the money," he explained. "Financially, I can’t complain – I’m paid very well. Obviously the difference is enormous but that was never what guided me."
He added pragmatically: "If one day I have to play in Saudi Arabia, I will play in Saudi Arabia. My lifestyle will change, my children’s lives will have sun, after six years in Manchester with cold and rain. I’ll be playing in a growing league."
The interview paints a picture of a captain deeply committed to the club but feeling undervalued by its executives, setting the stage for a crucial summer as United's new football operation under Ratcliffe and Berrada continues to take shape.
