Bruno Fernandes decision has just sent a clear message to Man United transfer targets

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Manchester United have been handed a major boost over their hopes of keeping captain Bruno Fernandes beyond the summer transfer window. And the decision could also benefit the club in the transfer window too.

The Manchester Evening News reported last week that Fernandes was giving serious consideration to a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal this summer. It has now however been confirmed that Fernandes has rejected the proposal with no contact taking place between the two clubs.

Reports claim that Fernandes had been offered a huge financial package to join Al-Hilal from United. The Daily Mail claim that he was offered quadruple his current salary at United, meaning he would earn £700,000 per week tax-free. That would mean a three-year deal would be worth around £200 million, including bonuses.

However, the fact that Fernandes has now turned down that opportunity to stay at Old Trafford will send a message to potential transfer targets. The club captain has set an example to current and potential new players.

United could find themselves competing against Saudi sides for transfer targets this summer and won’t be able to compete in terms of wages. However, the fact that Fernandes has turned down the opportunity shows other players that they can do the same and opt to play in the Premier League - what many call the best league in the world, instead of opting to take big money with a move to the Middle East.

United’s aim in the new season will be to return to European football after what was a disappointing 2024/25 campaign. Fernandes will be a big part of that.

At times in the season just gone, he single-handedly dragged them through games. Opting to stay at Old Trafford is now a big boost to Ruben Amorim, and also shows a belief in the future of the club.

If Fernandes didn’t believe that the side could compete towards the top of the Premier League again, he would surely have taken the money and completed the move. But the fact he didn’t also shows the ambitions under Amorim.

Keeping hold of Fernandes is also likely to go down well with potential transfer targets. With the club captain in place, United are far more likely to return to where they want to be quicker than they would without him, something that targets will take into account when making their decision.

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