Bruno Fernandes' Al Hilal decision creates a dream Man Utd problem
The Manchester United captain looks set to stay, creating a midfield headache
Bruno Fernandes has decided to reject Al-Hilal and remain at Manchester United, according to the latest reports.
The 30-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, who were allegedly prepared to offer United more than £80 million.
Al Hilal wanted a marquee signing ahead of the Club World Cup and offered to almost treble Fernandes' wages from £250,000 to £700,000 per week.
But the Manchester United captain has rejected Al Hilal's proposal, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
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On X he wrote: "Bruno Fernandes has REJECTED Al Hilal proposal.
"Despite crazy contract proposal from the Saudi Pro League club, Bruno Fernandes wants to continue playing football in Europe. Man United captain wants to play at top level in Europe. Decision made."
United have already agreed a deal to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves, whilst the club are set to open talks with Brentford to buy Bryan Mbeumo.
It means Cunha, Fernandes, Amad, Mbeumo, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee may all be vying for two positions, despite the side not qualifying for European football.
How important is Fernandes staying?
He has been Manchester United's best player since he left Sporting CP in January 2020, contributing 98 goals and 87 assists.
Most of his success has come whilst playing as a number 10, but he has often found himself shoehorned into central midfield under Ruben Amorim.
Despite doubts over his tactical fit, he is undoubtedly a leader and his impressive injury record means he rarely misses a game.
Do Man United need Mbuemo?
Only Southampton, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Everton scored fewer goals than United last season, so adding goals is a priority this summer.
The 25-year-old Cameroonian bagged 20 league goals for Brentford last season, finishing the season as the joint fourth top scorer in the division.
If he does join Amorim's side, he will most likely play in the right 10.
How does Matheus Cunha fit in?
A £62.5m deal is already agreed with Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign the 26-year-old Brazilian.
He scored 27 goals over his two full seasons at Wolves, catching the eye with his flair from the left 10 position.
Despite concerns over his temperament, he appears a good fit for Amorim's system.
Who else can play in attacking midfield?
Amorim has been full of praise for Mount, starting him in the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, in place of Alejandro Garnacho who will surely leave.
Zirkzee has struggled with the pace of the game as a striker, whilst Kobbie Mainoo has been unable to nail down a central midfield position.
And Amad, who was one of United's standout performers last season has tended to play as a right 10 in Amorim's system.
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Transfer News, Saudi Pro League, Football, Football News, Premier League
James Taylor