Bruno Fernandes Rejects Lucrative Saudi Bid to Chase Manchester United Goals

Bruno Fernandes has disclosed that he turned away from a high-paying transfer to Saudi Arabia to keep chasing his ambitions at Manchester United.

The captain of United, Fernandes, is preparing for his 300th outing with the team during Saturdays Premier League clash with Brighton at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have faced challenges throughout much of Fernandes time in the city, and in the previous campaign they ended up in 15th place, marking the teams poorest finishing spot in the top division since the 1973-74 season.

Additionally, they were defeated in the Europa League final by Tottenham, another team facing difficulties, which dashed their chances of reaching the Champions League.

During the off-season period, Fernandes received a potential way out as reports indicated that Al-Hilal from the Saudi Pro League showed interest in signing him.

However, he declined the opportunity to concentrate on unresolved matters with the club that has claimed the English title 20 times, their most recent success coming in 2013.

"We always say we have an offer from Saudi because obviously wherever I have to go, they have to come. They can choose not, but I'd prefer them to come," he said in reference to wife Ana and his family.

"And obviously the first thing she said was 'have you achieved everything you wanted to achieve at the club?' Because she knows that I haven't."

Fernandes has occasionally faced criticism for displaying too much emotion during matches, including moments where he vented frustration towards his colleagues.

Nevertheless, Manchester Uniteds manager Ruben Amorim recognises that the Portuguese playmakers passionate nature stems from his strong motivation to secure both the Premier League and Champions League trophies.

"The manager spoke with me," Fernandes said. "He said I was still part of the project. He wanted me to stay. The club said the same.

"I always said that if the club was like 'Bruno, we want to cash in, we want to make some money, we don't think you can be part of the future project' or whatever, I would be like 'OK, I have to find a solution for myself, whatever is best for me and my family, and I will leave'.

"But obviously that wasn't the case. I felt that I was still part of the plan, that I could still help the club to achieve whatever was our aims."

Fernandes holds a contract until 2027, including the possibility of extending it by one more year.

Moreover, the 31 year old plans to avoid any discussions about his future until the World Cup concludes next year.

"As I've always said, I feel good here," he said. "I want to achieve my dreams still. But obviously I can't talk by the side of the club.

"I've seen a lot of news. I've seen a lot of people talking that I had an agreement to go already next season. If the club has done that agreement, it wasn't made with me, so I haven't spoken with anyone.

"My agent also knows how I work, so if he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Because until then, I won't speak to anyone."