Key Takeaways
- Bruno Fernandes rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia to stay at Manchester United.
- He says family support and unfinished dreams kept him at Old Trafford.
- Fernandes now hopes to win the Premier League and Champions League with United.
Bruno Fernandes has opened up about why he chose to remain at Manchester United despite a huge offer from Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese midfielder said he stayed because he still believes he can help the club return to the top.
Speaking during a chat with former United star Wayne Rooney, Fernandes explained that his family played a big role in his decision. “My wife asked me if I had achieved all my dreams. That made me think. I knew I still had more to give,” he said.
At the end of last season, United told Fernandes they would not block a move if he wanted to leave. Al Hilal had shown strong interest. But after talks with his wife and children, he decided to stay and fight for the club’s future.
“I didn’t want to leave when the club was struggling. I want to win the Premier League and Champions League here. That’s still my dream,” Fernandes added.
Despite only having one year left on his contract, Fernandes has been United’s standout player this season. He is close to breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a single season. His leadership has also helped the team climb to third place in the league under interim boss Michael Carrick.
Fernandes praised Carrick’s impact since taking over, saying the former midfielder brought fresh energy and belief to the squad. “We never thought we’d be third at this point. But we kept working, and now we’re close to Champions League football,” he said.
Rooney, United’s all-time top scorer, believes Fernandes deserves to win Player of the Year. “He’s been brilliant. He sets the example for everyone,” Rooney said.
Fernandes has scored 106 goals in 322 games since joining in 2020. While he has won the FA Cup and League Cup, he is hungry for more. “I never hide it. I want the biggest trophies. That’s why I stayed,” he said.