Manchester United's stance on Bruno Fernandes' future at club after his bombshell interview comes to light: Reports

Manchester United are reportedly have no plans to sell Bruno Fernandes in 2026. They want the club captain to be a part of their long-term project despite comments from the Portuguese star.

According to BBC Sport's Simon Stone, Manchester United have acknowledged that the interview with Canal11 was conducted weeks ago and sanctioned by the Portugal national team. However, they have no plans to sell Fernandes in January or at the end of the season.

The former Sporting CP midfielder claimed that the Red Devils were keen to sell him in the summer, as they wanted the transfer fee from his move to Al-Hilal. He spoke to Canal11 and said (via GOAL):

"For them, money is more important than anything. 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, also because of family reasons, but because I genuinely like 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 lot. More than hurting, it makes me sad because I’m a player they have nothing to criticise about. I’m always available, I always play, good or bad. I give my all. Then you see things around you, players who don’t value the club as much and don’t defend the club as much… that makes you sad.”

Fernandes was a key target for Al-Hilal in the summer, and they were in direct talks with the midfielder. However, he opted to stay at the Premier League club, rejecting a stunning offer from the Saudi Pro League side.

Bruno Fernandes comments on possible Saudi Pro League move from Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes commented on his possible move to the Saudi Pro League, admitting that the financial offer is enormous, but it was not his motivation. The Manchester United captain added he is open to the move in the future and said (via The Guardian):

“Financially, I can’t complain – I’m paid very well. Obviously the difference is enormous but that was never what guided me – if one day I have to play in Saudi Arabia, I will play in Saudi Arabia. My lifestyle will change, my children’s lives will have sun, after six years in Manchester with cold and rain. I’ll be playing in a growing league, with players who are internationally recognised.”

Manchester United signed Fernandes from Sporting CP in 2020, and Erik ten Hag made him captain after stripping Harry Maguire of the armband in 2023.