Bruno Fernandes has had to carry a heavy load at Manchester United for the past few years.
The club’s underachievement has only made the Portuguese star’s performances stand out more.
A testament to both his quality and leadership.
As club captain, Fernandes remains at the heart of United’s play and their dressing room, a role Erik ten Hag gave him and current boss Ruben Amorim keen to preserve.
The hope at Old Trafford is that new signings like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo will ease the burden on Fernandes.
While Benjamin Sesko’s incoming arrival is also expected to sharpen United’s final-third output.
But that’s only possible because Fernandes turned down a move to Saudi Arabia – with Al Nassr boss Jorge Jesus now lifting the lid on a failed summer pursuit.
United fans had already seen off one Saudi threat, with Fernandes rejecting an approach from Al Hilal earlier in the window.
Al-Hilal offered a massive £100 million to United for their captain, and a huge £200 million contract to Fernandes to join the Riyadh-based club.
However, Al-Nassr also tried to make a move for Fernandes, which failed too.
Now, Al Nassr’s interest has come to light, with Jesus confirming he personally spoke with Fernandes about a potential transfer.
Speaking to Sport Informa after Al Nassr’s 4-0 win over Rio Ave, Jesus said: “I wanted to, but Bruno decided on staying.
“We had already spoken last year.
“This year I knew he had made the decision to continue with Amorim.”
Al Nassr had been hoping to pair Fernandes with Cristiano Ronaldo once again – but the 30-year-old is staying put.
He scored 19 goals last season and remains United’s most productive player.
Fernandes will next feature in United’s final pre-season game against Fiorentina – where he’ll reunite with David de Gea, and has already sent a cheeky message ahead of his Old Trafford return.
