Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes turned down a huge move to Saudi Arabia to stay at Old Trafford this season.
Saudi club Al-Hilal were willing to pay £100m for Bruno Fernandes this summer and offered the Portuguese playmaker an eye-watering wage.
But Fernandes showed extreme loyalty to United and decided to stay in Manchester. The 30-year-old explained that his “dreams” as a United star have not yet been fulfilled.
It seems Fernandes could have a new position in 2025/26, following the summer arrival of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko.
United were heavily reliant on Fernandes in the final third last season, but he could be made to adapt to new surroundings this campaign.
Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty ImagesBruno Fernandes ready to fight for Man United spot
With no European football this season, United can put their full focus on the Premier League, with only one game each week.
The new additions to Amorim’s side mean there is now plenty of competition for every single position in the starting XI, and Fernandes understands he is not exempt from that competition despite being club captain.
Speaking to Sky Sports Premier League, Fernandes said: “The manager brought in Cunha and Bryan, we also have Mason and Josh and Amad who can play there.
“We have a lot of players who can play in those two roles, and a lot of players who can play in the two holding midfielders.
“So, I’m ready for everything and I’ll be fighting for my place. I have no guarantees that I’m going to play, so my aim is, as always, to improve myself and improve the team.”
What Ruben Amorim wants from Bruno Fernandes in 2025/26
There are big question marks around Fernandes and whether or not he has the discipline to play deeper in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
But Fernandes was United’s best player on tour, and he continues to be the club’s leader on and off the pitch.
Ahead of United’s clash against Arsenal on the opening weekend, Amorim explained that he has new instructions for Fernandes in 2025/26.
“I want Bruno near the ball, which is really important for our team. Now we have players with different characteristics who can cope with that, so we will try to manage the game by game, the players for the best positions.”
Given that Fernandes has thrived in central midfield for the Portugal national team, there is no reason to doubt his abilities heading into this season.