Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has expressed his desire to retain club captain Bruno Fernandes, as speculation continues to swirl over a possible move to Saudi Arabia.
Fernandes, whose contract runs until 2027, has reportedly attracted strong interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The club is believed to be preparing a lucrative offer to lure the 30-year-old midfielder ahead of next month’s FIFA Club World Cup.
Despite the financial pressures facing United—particularly if they fail to win the Europa League and qualify for next season’s Champions League—Amorim insists the club wants to hold on to one of its top assets.
“Our idea hasn’t changed,” Amorim stated. “We want to keep the best players, and Bruno is clearly among the top players in the world. We want Bruno here.”
Fernandes has had a standout season, contributing 19 goals and 18 assists in all competitions. But Amorim stressed that his importance goes far beyond statistics.
“It’s not just about the numbers. Bruno’s impact over the past five years, his leadership, and the way he drives the team forward make him vital. He’s our captain—he’s a leader and a top player. We need players like him.”
United are in a strong position to reach the Europa League final after a commanding 3-0 away win in the first leg of their semi-final against Athletic Bilbao. Historically, no team has failed to progress in Europe after winning an away first leg by three or more goals.
Still, Amorim remains cautious. The team has recently shown vulnerability in similar situations—such as their dramatic FA Cup semi-final against Coventry and their Europa League scare against Lyon.
“If you look at our season, anything is possible,” Amorim admitted. “We can’t predict the outcome. Some teams write their own story—we’re still fighting to write ours.”
