Fernandes Rejects Al Hilal Offer to Stay at United

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes disclosed that a heartfelt conversation with his wife ultimately persuaded him to reject a lucrative transfer offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal last summer, allowing him to remain at Old Trafford during a challenging period for the team.

In an interview on BBC Sport's Wayne Rooney Show, the 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder explained that while discussions with his agent, Miguel Pinho, advanced toward a potential 100 million pound deal, and club officials indicated they would not block a move, family priorities took precedence. Fernandes, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, had recorded 106 goals and more than 100 assists across all competitions in 322 appearances by the end of this season. Yet, after United's dismal 15th-place finish in the Premier League the previous year, their worst since the 1973-74 relegation season, he felt a duty to stay and contribute to the recovery.

"The words of my wife were like, 'Have you achieved your dreams? Have you achieved everything you wanted?'" Fernandes recounted. "And that small thing she said made me understand that she's on the same page as me. Let's keep trying and see...