Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is determined to keep captain Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford, despite growing interest from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, who are reportedly offering a lucrative contract to the Portuguese midfielder.
Fernandes, whose current deal runs until 2027, has been pivotal in United’s season, registering 19 goals and 18 assists, underscoring his importance as both a leader and playmaker.
Al-Hilal’s interest comes at a critical time for United, as they are undergoing an extensive squad overhaul, which is dependent on player sales. Amorim, aware of the financial implications of missing out on Champions League qualification, stressed that keeping top players like Fernandes is central to the club’s ambitions.
“We want to keep the best players,” Amorim confirmed. “Bruno is one of the top players in the world. He is a leader, a captain, and he is crucial to us. We need top players like him to rebuild the team.”
Despite United’s position in the Europa League and their solid 3-0 semi-final first-leg win over Athletic Bilbao, Amorim remains cautious. United’s recent form has shown vulnerability, particularly in high-stakes matches, and Amorim acknowledged the unpredictability of the team’s performances.
“We cannot control everything,” he said. “Sometimes, in the heat of the game, we lose our focus. We need to score to secure our spot in the final, and we are prepared to fight for it, even if it means suffering along the way.”
The 3-1 loss to Brighton in January, which led to Amorim’s harsh criticism of the team as “maybe the worst” in the club’s 137-year history, continues to weigh on his mind. Reflecting on his comments, Amorim clarified that while he might have gone too far, the disappointment of the season still lingers.
“When I made that statement, I felt it in the moment,” he explained. “We’ve had our struggles, and we know this season has been one of the most difficult for the club. But results can change quickly, and we still have the chance to make something positive out of this year.”
Amorim’s transparency reflects his deep commitment to turning the team’s fortunes around, despite the challenges ahead. The looming prospect of missing out on European football next season adds urgency to United’s performance in both the Europa League and the Premier League.
The club’s leadership, along with Amorim’s desire to retain Fernandes, could be pivotal in securing both short-term success and long-term stability during a critical period of rebuilding.
