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Topics: Man Utd, Ruben Amorim, Bruno Fernandes, Premier League, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Man Utd, Ruben Amorim, Bruno Fernandes, Premier League, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has made his feelings clear on the immediate future of Bruno Fernandes after the midfielder was linked with a big-money move to the Saudi Pro League.
Fernandes, who was arguably United's standout performer in an otherwise poor campaign, is under contract at Old Trafford until 2027 with the option of a further year.
But in the aftermath of their Europa League final defeat to Spurs this month, the Portuguese playmaker raised doubts over his future at the Premier League club, admitting that the club could "cash in" on him amid interest from elsewhere.
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"I have always been honest. I’ve always said I will be here until the club says to me that it’s time to go," he said.
"I'm eager to do more, to be able to bring the club to the great days. The day that the club thinks that I’m too much or it's time to part ways, football is like this, you never know it. But I’ve always said it and I keep my word in the same way."
Fernandes added: "If the club thinks it's time to part ways because they want to do some cashing in or whatever, it’s what it is and football sometimes is like this. The players have said that this season has been unacceptable."
The 30-year-old has been linked with a big-money transfer to Saudi Arabia.
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In fact, Al Hilal are willing to offer him around £700,000 per week plus a sign-on fee, goal bonuses, and other performance-related criteria, according to Ben Jacobs, who claims Fernandes would also get a car and accommodation allowance.
Amid ongoing reports, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has now made a telling statement on Fernandes' future, confirming the importance of his captain.
“He is really important for us and what we want to build for the team,” he said. “We talk about this many times. You can see by his performances. You can see by his leadership. You can see the passion he has for the game.
"In difficult moments Bruno is the guy who takes responsibility. He should do because he is the captain."
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Amorim added: “In the last game, the team was without pressure, they performed quite well, everybody wanted the ball, the team has different moments and in different moments Bruno [Fernandes] takes responsibility.”
So, there we have it. Amorim has reiterated the importance of keeping Fernandes at the club as they prepare to take part in their tour of Asia.
United will travel to the 84,000-capacity Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on May 28 for their opening game of the tour against ASEAN All Stars. They will then face Hong Kong on the afternoon of May 30.