Manchester United have made a firm decision over the future of captain Bruno Fernandes, amid renewed interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and reports warning that his departure could be “catastrophic” for the club’s leadership on and off the pitch.
Fernandes has been the subject of speculative approaches from multiple Saudi Pro League sides in recent months, with some clubs reportedly prepared to offer a substantial fee and a lucrative long-term contract to lure the Portuguese playmaker away from Old Trafford.
However, United have now made their position clear: Bruno Fernandes is not for sale.
Senior figures at the club, including members of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new INEOS-led sporting structure, are said to view Fernandes as “untouchable” this summer — a key part of the rebuild and an example of the professionalism they want to embed across the squad.
Club Leaders See Fernandes as ‘Non-Negotiable’
While the financial lure from the Saudi Pro League is significant, United’s new hierarchy believe Fernandes’s importance goes far beyond his statistical output. He has been United’s most consistent performer in a turbulent campaign, and more importantly, has acted as a dressing-room leader during one of the club’s most difficult modern seasons.
A club source was quoted this week describing any decision to let Fernandes go as “catastrophic,” both in terms of morale and message — particularly at a time when United are desperate to restore identity and standards after years of drift.
The midfielder, who turns 30 in September, still has two years left on his current deal, with the option of a further year. He has not formally agitated for a move and is understood to be settled in Manchester, despite frustrations over the club’s direction and performances this season.
Bruno Focused on United Future
In recent weeks, Fernandes has reiterated his commitment to the cause. After United’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry, he said: “This club means everything to me. I want to win here — that hasn’t changed.”
That sentiment has been echoed privately, with Fernandes reportedly keen to remain at the centre of United’s rebuild. He is expected to have talks with the club’s leadership at the end of the season about their plans for squad improvements, but as things stand, both parties are aligned.
A New Era — But Bruno Stays
While United are expected to make sweeping changes to the playing squad this summer — particularly in defence and midfield — Fernandes will not be part of any clearout. Instead, the vision is for him to help lead the next phase under either Rúben Amorim or whoever takes charge in the dugout next season.
For now, the Saudi speculation is just that — speculation. Manchester United are standing firm, and Bruno Fernandes is going nowhere.
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