Fernandes reveals Amorim role in Manchester United stay

Bruno Fernandes has revealed the role Ruben Amorim had in him staying at Manchester United , despite interest from the Saudi Pro League last summer.

Al-Hilal pushed hard to sign Fernandes last summer and were reportedly willing to pay around £100m for the Portuguese midfielder.

The 31-year-old turned down the move and has impressed in the Premier League this season. He leads the league for assists, while only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been directly involved in more goals.

Fernandes has opened up on the transfer uncertainty, in an interview with Canal 11 that was conducted last month.

He said his family was the key factor behind the decision to stay in Manchester, though revealed Amorim’s desire to keep the player also played a part. Fernandes believes Manchester United were happy to cash in amid a big bid, but were reluctant to go against the manager’s wishes.

“Manchester United wanted me to leave, I have that in my head. I think they didn’t have the courage because Ruben Amorim wanted me here, but from the club’s side I felt that if I left, it wouldn’t be so bad,” he said.

“Cristiano advised me, but the final decision always rested with me. I decided to stay because I genuinely love the club, but loyalty isn’t as well regarded as it once was…

“I decided to stay, also because of family reasons, but because I genuinely love the club.

“The conversation with the manager also made me stay. But, from the club’s side, I felt a bit like, ‘If you leave, it’s not so bad for us.’ It hurts me a bit. More than hurting, it makes me sad because I’m a player who [you can’t] criticise. I’m always available, I always play, good or bad. I give my all…

“If one day I have to play in Saudi Arabia, I’ll play in Saudi Arabia.

“I told the directors that, but I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision, because the manager wanted me. If I had said I wanted to leave, they would have let me go.”

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