Bruno Fernandes has cast fresh doubt on his future at Manchester United after revealing that the club wanted him to leave during the summer transfer window. The Portuguese midfielder, who turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, admitted he felt the hierarchy were not fully committed to keeping him.
Speaking to Portuguese outlet Canal 11, Fernandes said: "The club wanted me to go, I have that in my head. I told the directors this, but I think they didn't have the courage to make that decision. I decided to stay." He added that from the club's side, he felt "If you leave, it's not so bad for us."
However, Manchester United insiders have insisted to the Manchester Evening News that Fernandes was repeatedly told during the summer that he remained central to the club's long-term vision. The club stressed that no official talks took place with Al-Hilal, and Fernandes himself had previously stated that conversations with manager Erik ten Hag and officials made him want to stay.
In earlier comments, Fernandes claimed: "The manager spoke with me. He said I was still part of the project. He wanted me to stay. The club said the same." He also mentioned discussions with chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox, who both expressed a desire for him to remain but acknowledged the financial appeal of a sale.
Fernandes, who recently made his 300th appearance for United, has a contract until 2027 with a possible one-year extension. The conflicting statements have sparked concern among teammates and fans about a potential exit next summer.
