Bruno Fernandes has no intention of leaving Manchester United to play in Saudi Arabia. The Red Devils captain is determined to remain a key figure in manager Ruben Amorim’s Old Trafford shake-up, having turned down attractive offers from clubs such as Al Hilal and Al Ittihad in the summer.
There have been recent rumors that the 31-year-old is looking to leave United after next summer’s World Cup, but sources close to Fernandes have told BBC Sport that this is not the case. Fernandes’ current contract extends until 2027, with an option for a further year. As for his future, it is also reported that Fernandes is only considering playing for a team in one of Europe’s major leagues, with United being his ideal opponents at the moment, especially if they can reverse their fortunes and secure Champions League football for the 2026/27 season.
However, this seems difficult to achieve at the moment. Since taking over from Erik ten Hag last November, Amorim has struggled to change United’s trajectory, finishing 15th in the Premier League last season.
United are currently in 10th place in the league with three wins, three losses and one draw after the opening seven games. This, coupled with a humiliating defeat in the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town in August, explains why Fernandes has been linked with a move from the North West.
Despite being an important player for Amorim and regularly featuring in the starting XI, Fernandes may be considering whether a move would really be beneficial.
In a surprising development, Turki Al Sheikh has hinted at the possibility of an ownership change at Manchester United. The Glazer family now has the power to sell their entire stake in the club, triggering “drag-along” rights that protect majority owners from ransom demands by minority shareholders.
The Glazer family could force Sir Jim Ratcliffe to sell his shares, but there was little talk of such a scenario until Wednesday evening. In an unexpected post on X, Saudi businessman Al Sheikh suggested the club could soon be under new management.
He wrote: “The best news I heard today is that Manchester United are currently in the process of completing a sale to a new investor. I hope he is better than the previous owner.”
The revelations came just hours after an extraordinary interview with Mr Ratcliffe was published, in which the INEOS chief gave no hint about his plans to relinquish control of the club.
