Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has opened up on why he turned down a lucrative offer from Al-Hilal earlier in the summer.
Fernandes turned down Al-Hilal
Despite United’s troubles last season, Fernandes enjoyed a fabulous campaign and was hands down the club’s best player.
Despite the club finishing a lowly 15th place in the Premier League and suffering a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, Fernandes still managed an impressive 19 goals and as many assists across all competitions.
The Portugal international earned the club’s Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards. He was also nominated for PFA Player of the Year alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer, Alexander Isak, Declan Rice and Alexis Mac Allister.
Al-Hilal identified Fernandes as a marquee target ahead of their participation in the Club World Cup. They offered him a three-year contract worth £200m. It’s also believed that the Saudi Pro League outfit were prepared to table a bid of around £100m.
United left it up to Fernandes to make the decision on his future. After careful consideration, the 30-year-old opted to stay at Old Trafford and rejected Al-Hilal’s proposal.
Now, Fernandes has revealed that he decided to continue at United in a bid to fulfil his desire to win the biggest trophies with the Red Devils.
Fernandes reveals why he turned down Al-Hilal
The playmaker told Sky Sports, “I haven’t fulfilled my dreams here yet. So I think I can still give something to the club. I think I’m still in a position where I’m helpful.”
“I’ve always said I’ll be here until the club decides ‘Bruno it’s time to go.’ I obviously know it was tough for the club to decide that because it was a big amount of money that they haven’t got in the past…probably since Cristiano [Ronaldo] left.”
“I know probably it was tough for the club to decide because from one side, they have the club captain, a player who has been important for them, even if times have not been great.”
“I’ve been performing and everything, and I know in the public eye it will be bad if things go wrong but it’ll be really good if things go well and they sell me and they get more players or whatever.”
“But in my mind, I’ve always said this is the place I want to be – the dream of coming and playing in the Premier League because to me, it is the biggest league in the world. I want to stay and here and fulfil my dreams of winning more things with the club.”
But, obviously, I know people will have different opinions – ‘he’s 30 years old, he’s getting old…”
“I want to fulfil my dreams of staying here and winning more things with the club.”
Bruno Fernandes reveals why he decided to stay at Manchester United, after rejecting a £100m transfer to Al Hilal! 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/s3dsLGLHKh
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 16, 2025
Fernandes and United are back in action on Sunday when they open their 2025/26 season with a home match against Arsenal.
Featured image Vincent Carchietta via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
