Manchester United confident Bruno Fernandes will stay amid Saudi links
Summary: With renewed transfer chatter around a possible move to the Saudi Pro League, Manchester United remain convinced Bruno Fernandes will remain at Old Trafford. Fernandes turned down Al Hilal in May, and United say it is highly unlikely he will depart before the transfer deadline.
Manchester United still expect Bruno Fernandes to remain at the club amid renewed speculation linking him with a move to the Saudi Pro League. Fernandes rejected an offer from Al Hilal in May and has since signaled his intention to chase more “dreams” at United.
United sources say they are baffled by the sudden speculation about Fernandes leaving before the September 1 deadline and insist it is highly unlikely he will depart. Fernandes is under contract through 2027, with the club holding an option for an extra year.
The 30-year-old Portugal international joined United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 and has been a key figure for the club, winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award four times. He captained United to League Cup and FA Cup triumphs in 2023 and 2024, while the team endured Europa League final defeats with him in the starting XI in 2021 and 2025, and the 2023 FA Cup final.
At the start of the season, Fernandes has moved back into midfield and is expected to continue there alongside Casemiro as United prepare for their second Premier League fixture of the campaign away at Fulham.
On the transfer front, United remain keen to strengthen their midfield before the deadline but were priced out of a move for Brighton & Hove Albion enforcer Carlos Baleba. Toby Collyer has joined West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan, while Manuel Ugarte—signed on deadline day last August—has struggled to force his way back into the first team after being dropped toward the end of last season. Kobbie Mainoo has also dropped out of United manager Erik ten Hag’s starting XI, and there has been no progress on a new contract for him.
What this means going forward
– Fernandes’s potential absence would have created a leadership vacuum, so keeping him adds continuity as United evaluate midfield options.
– The club’s ongoing search for midfield reinforcements is likely to continue into the remaining days of the window, with signings aimed at complementing Fernandes, Casemiro, and the rest of Ten Hag’s squad.
– If Fernandes remains, United will lean on his experience and versatility to drive the team as they balance youth and depth in midfield.
Extra note
– The current stance shows United prioritizing stability and long-term planning in midfield, rather than making a reactive move simply to appease transfer chatter.