Man Utd praise two players for turning down more money at other clubs in behind-the-scenes meeting

Manchester United praised two players for turning down more money elsewhere to stay at Old Trafford.

According to an Athletic report, United chief executive Omar Berrada addressed the club staff on Monday to mark the start of the new Premier League campaign.

All United staff are said to have gathered at Carrington ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal on Sunday, and were addressed by Berrada, Jason Wilcox, Marc Armstrong and Ruben Amorim.

And as per the publication, among those praised in the meeting was €85m (£73.4m) new signing Benjamin Sesko.

Indeed, United director of football Wilcox reportedly praised the Slovenian for his tremendous desire to join the club, adding that he rejected further offers of a higher salary at Newcastle United even after he had agreed terms with the Old Trafford club.

It’s a claim disputed by Newcastle United.

Meanwhile, Amorim spoke about players that only wanted to be at United, and reserved particular praise for captain Bruno Fernandes, after the Portugal international rejected an offer from Al Hilal in May.

Amorim is said to have told staff Fernandes chose to stay, even though he could have earned more money in Saudi Arabia.

He added that Fernandes deserves respect and love for turning down financial incentives to remain at United.

Benjamin Sesko has signed for Manchester United. Image: Getty

Back in June, Fernandes said: "It would have been easy to move there [Al Hilal]. I know the Portuguese players there very well.

"But I want to play at the highest level and compete for major titles. I can do that, and I still want to.

"I spoke to coach Amorim. He asked me not to go."

Fernandes has registered 98 goals and 87 assists in 290 games in all competitions since moving to United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020.

As per Sky Sports, Al Hilal were willing to pay £100m for Fernandes and had been willing to almost treble his £250,000-a-week wages.