United head coach is unsure but says he has a good feeling and “can tell” Fernandes wants to stay
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed cautious optimism that club captain Bruno Fernandes will remain at Old Trafford next season, despite mounting interest from Saudi giants Al Hilal.
United continued their post-season tour of southeast Asia with a friendly against a Hong Kong XI on Friday, which they won 3-1. After the game, Amorim addressed the swirling speculation surrounding the Portuguese midfielder’s future, insisting he has a “feeling” the 30-year-old intends to stay.
“I don’t think so. I don’t know for sure. I think he wants to stay. He is saying no to a lot of things,” Amorim told reporters when asked if that was Fernandes’ last game for the club.
“The club can find other ways to make money. The feeling I get is that he wants to continue for sure with Man United, you never know.”
The remarks come amid reports that Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal are preparing a £100 million bid to lure Fernandes to the Middle East. United, whose finances are under serious scrutiny after their lowest-ever Premier League finish, may be tempted by the offer as they attempt to reshape the squad ahead of a crucial rebuild.
Fernandes, who was visibly emotional during the final match of the Premier League season at Old Trafford earlier this month, had hinted that his future may depend on the club’s direction and financial situation. He said that he would leave United if “the club thinks it’s time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in”.
The club’s hierarchy, under new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, have made clear their intent to reshape the squad after a disastrous campaign that saw United finish 15th, just five points clear of the relegation zone. The team also failed to qualify for Europe for the first time in over a decade.
Amorim, appointed in October, has spoken publicly about his ambition to build a side capable of contending again. But he also added that central to those plans is Fernandes, whose leadership and playmaking he insists remain vital despite a difficult year.
“He was so frustrated in many games,” Amorim admitted. “But he knows what we are doing. Of course, I’m the manager. I’m the coach, but sometimes it’s a decision of the player. I explain things and I just have that feeling when I talk to someone, you can tell if he wants to stay.”
