Bruno Fernandes has opted to remain at Manchester United, despite the Red Devils seeing an outrageous £100million offer from Al-Hilal for their standout attacking midfielder earlier this week
Roy Keane may feel slightly embarrassed as Bruno Fernandes turned down a colossal £100million move to Al-Hilal. The 30-year-old's dedication to Manchester United became evident as he turned down the Saudi Pro League club's offer of a whopping £700k per-week salary, choosing to stick with the Red Devils in what seems to be an outright declaration of loyalty.
Having faced criticism from United legend Keane following a disappointing 3-0 defeat by Manchester City in 2023, where he suggested on Sky Sports that Erik ten Hag should remove Fernandes from his role as captain due to his perceived lack of leadership qualities, the latest revelation may leave the pundit red-faced.
Keane had said: "The first thing I would do is take the captaincy off him. I know it's a big decision, but Fernandes is not captain material. He's a talented player, but what I saw today - he's whinging, he's moaning, he's throwing his arms up in the air constantly - it really isn't acceptable.
"When you're talking about where do they make changes - board level, managers - I'd start with that because the manager is capable of doing that. Fernandes is a brilliant footballer but he's the opposite to what you want in a captain," reports the Manchester Evening News.
With Manchester United's underwhelming 2024/25 season now behind them, a lucrative offer to jump ship may have proven tempting to many players. However, Fernandes demonstrated his commitment to the Red Devils by turning down the Saudi Pro League club's offer.
Speaking to the Portuguese press on Tuesday, Fernandes said: "There was an opportunity. The [Al-Hilal] president called me and asked if I wanted to go there.
"They were waiting for me. I spoke to coach [Rubem] Amorim. He asked me not to go. Manchester United didn't want to sell me. They don't need the money. If I had wanted to leave, they would have made it happen."
He added: "It was an easy move, even at a family level. I had Joao Cancelo there, my children are used to playing with him in the national team. We have a great friendship. But I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions and I feel capable of it."
Amorim, who took over the reins from Ten Hag in November, may be planning a major overhaul of his inherited squad after struggling to adapt the players to his unique system and style of play. The Red Devils have already made moves in the summer transfer window, securing a £62.5million deal with Wolves for striker Matheus Cunha.
The 26-year-old Brazilian's move is pending visa approval and registration procedures, and is expected to be finalised once he returns from international duty later this month. With an impressive tally of 15 goals in 33 appearances for Wolves this season, Cunha could be the answer to United's goal-scoring woes.
Rasmus Hojlund, the club's first-choice striker, has managed just four goals in 32 Premier League appearances this season, while last summer's big signing, Joshua Zirkzee, has netted only three times in the top-flight thus far. Elsewhere, it is believed that United are keen on securing the services of Brentford star, Bryan Mbeumo.
The 25-year-old, who scored 20 goals for the Bees this season, is reportedly eyeing Old Trafford as his preferred destination this summer. According to the Telegraph, United have tabled a package worth up to £55m for the forward, comprising an initial £45m plus £10m in add-ons.
However, they might need to increase their offer to secure Mbeumo's signature, as Brentford reportedly value him at £60m. And as he is under contract until next summer with the option to extend for a year, the Bees aren't in any rush to sell the star just yet.