Ruben Amorim has expressed confidence that Bruno Fernandes will remain at Manchester United this summer, despite rumors linking the captain with a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League. Speculation has grown around a potential transfer to Al-Hilal, who are reported to have made a substantial offer of around £100 million for Fernandes, including a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid footballers globally.
Manchester United, however, have maintained a firm stance that Fernandes is not for sale, and Amorim echoed this position following his team’s 3-1 victory over Hong Kong in a post-season friendly. The Portuguese coach views Fernandes as a key figure in the club’s future plans. At 30 years old, Fernandes has already secured the club’s player of the season award four times, equalling a club record. His current contract with United runs until June 2027, which further solidifies his long-term commitment.
When asked if the recent friendly against Hong Kong could be Fernandes’ final appearance for the club, Amorim was optimistic, saying, “I don’t think so. I don’t know for sure, nobody knows, but I don’t think so. I think he’s seeing us taking some actions to change things and that’s all he asks.” He suggested that Fernandes is motivated by a desire to win and improve, emphasizing that the midfielder is still in his prime and needs to be competing in the best league in the world.
Amorim highlighted Fernandes’ ambition by noting the player’s refusal of other offers, implying that despite tempting financial rewards elsewhere, Fernandes is focused on sporting success rather than just money. This commitment is important for a club trying to rebuild after a difficult season.
The club’s recent failure to qualify for the Champions League has placed financial strain on Manchester United, which typically requires them to sell players to fund new signings. However, Amorim dismissed the idea that Fernandes’ sale is necessary to generate transfer funds. “We can find another way to earn money,” he said. This suggests that the club is exploring alternative financial solutions or plans to rely on selling other players.
Some of the players likely to be sold include Alejandro Garnacho, who started alongside Fernandes in the Hong Kong friendly, as well as Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho. These players, some of whom spent time away on loan this season, could help raise funds if they are moved on.
The match against Hong Kong was notable for the emergence of young talents such as 17-year-old striker Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven, both of whom scored their first senior goals for Manchester United in the friendly. Obi netted twice after coming on for Rasmus Højlund in the second half. His first goal came with a clever left-foot finish under pressure, while his second was a well-timed header from Mason Mount’s cross. Heaven completed the scoring late in the match with a powerful header from Amad Diallo’s cross.
These promising performances from the youth squad highlight United’s growing focus on developing talent from within, which could play a vital role in the club’s future as it navigates a challenging transfer market.
Manchester United’s next competitive fixtures begin with a Premier League opener against Leeds in Stockholm on 19 July, followed by a pre-season tour in the United States where they will face West Ham, Bournemouth, and Everton. Meanwhile, Fernandes is expected to play for Portugal in the upcoming Nations League semi-finals against Germany on 4 June, with the final and third-place playoff scheduled for 8 June.
As Manchester United look to rebuild and strengthen their squad, Ruben Amorim’s belief in Bruno Fernandes’ commitment is a significant boost. The captain’s leadership, talent, and experience remain crucial to United’s ambitions both on and off the pitch.
