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Bruno Fernandes Going Nowhere as Al-Hilal Circle

Manchester United make intentions clear amid Saudi interest

Big ambition meets firm resistance

Al-Hilal’s pursuit of a marquee name continues after missing out on Mohamed Salah, and the Saudi giants have reportedly turned their attention to Bruno Fernandes. But according to The Daily Mail, Manchester United have no plans to part with their captain – regardless of the financial clout behind the potential bid.

It’s believed that Fernandes’ representatives held talks with Al-Hilal on Monday, though sources at United insist no formal offer has been tabled. The Saudi Pro League club are well-backed and eager to land a global star before the Club World Cup, but United are showing no signs of blinking.

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Fernandes untouchable in Amorim’s rebuild

New boss Ruben Amorim considers the 30-year-old Portuguese playmaker untouchable. With 19 goals and 18 assists already this season, Fernandes remains United’s heartbeat. He signed a new deal in 2023 that runs until 2027, with an option for a further year.

Amorim, who has previously worked with Fernandes at Sporting Lisbon, was unequivocal when asked in March about speculation linking his talisman to Real Madrid:

“No, it’s not going to happen. He’s not going anywhere because I’ve already told him!”

That clarity continued:

“I want Bruno here because we want to win the Premier League again, so we want the best players to continue with us. He’s 30, but he’s still so young, because he plays 55 games every season.”

A player worth fighting for

Amorim added with conviction:

“Between assists and goals, he’s there for 30 at least, so he’s the type of player we want here and he’s not going anywhere.”

For now, Al-Hilal’s focus may shift to naming a replacement for Jorge Jesus, who left over the weekend. But their interest in Europe’s elite is far from over. Fernandes may have been a tempting target, but he represents the type of leader United simply cannot afford to lose.

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This is exactly the tone we want to hear from our new manager. Bruno Fernandes has been United’s most consistent performer for years, dragging us through bad days and lighting up the good ones. If Amorim wants to rebuild properly, he’s right to make Bruno the centrepiece.

Saudi interest is flattering but irrelevant. Bruno is more than just stats – though let’s not ignore the 19 goals and 18 assists this season – he’s the mentality monster in red. It’s refreshing to hear a United manager draw a line in the sand with this kind of authority.

Let them throw their millions at someone else. We’ve seen what happens when clubs let their leaders go without a plan – look at Spurs after Kane or Chelsea’s midfield chaos post-Kanté. United must avoid that trap. Fernandes plays 55 matches a year, scores and creates relentlessly, and captains the side with passion.

There’s no replacement out there. Amorim seems to get it. And if he’s backing Bruno, then maybe we really are building something again at Old Trafford. Finally.