Bruno Fernandes has fuelled speculation over his Manchester United future with a cryptic post on Instagram amid an approach from Al Hilal.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who was United's standout performer last season as they failed to secure European football, has an eye-watering £700,000 per week offer on the table from the Saudi Pro League side.
Fernandes is giving serious consideration to said offer, according to The Athletic, after his agent, Miguel Pinho, travelled to the Middle East for negotiations this week. Al Hilal, meanwhile, are prepared to pay £80 million for his services.
Speaking before the end of the 2024/25 season, United manager Ruben Amorim repeatedly stated that he wanted to keep his captain at Old Trafford.
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But after Fernandes helped United come from behind against Hong Kong this week, Amorim said "nobody knows" for sure what will happen. "He is saying no to a lot of things," Amorim said.
"He needs to be in the best league in the world. Of course I talk to him, I explain things and I just have that feeling. When you talk to someone you have that feeling if he wants to stay."
Amorim added: "The feeling I get every time I speak with him is that he wants to continue for sure with Man United. You never know."
Amid the ongoing speculation, Fernandes posted a cryptic message to his Instagram story on Saturday afternoon, which has once again fuelled rumours over his next move.
The post read: "If you tried and failed, congratulations! There are people who don't even try."
Here's how fans on social media reacted to the post.
One said: "God he’s actually leaving isn’t he," and another wrote: "Goodbye Captain, thank you very much for trying."
A third wrote: "Read that as he’s staying. Basically saying they’ve failed, but will try again."
A fourth said: "In the context I'm putting it in my head, it sounds like he's leaving. Literally means he tried his best and still failed at United," and a fifth added: "Message to say he tried but failed. Goodbye Bruno."
The latest news surrounding Bruno Fernandes and Al Hilal
Al Hilal have held 'productive talks' with Fernandes' agent, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who claims president Fahad bin Nafel has 'pitched directly' to the United midfielder regarding a potential move.
"Hilal have made it clear to Fernandes that must join before the Club World Cup in the 1-10 June window," Jacobs added on X. "Understand the offer to Fernandes will be withdrawn in seven days."
Thoughts on the potential deal? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers
Jack Kenmare