‘I didn't close the door’ - Man United captain Fernandes reveals reason for rejecting Saudi Arabia move

The 31-year-old midfielder has been the Red Devils' best player since he arrived from Sporting Lisbon in 2020. 

Despite United's struggles under several managers, Fernandes has remained a consistent performer for the club.

The team's poor form has continued under new manager Ruben Amorim, following a dismal 15th-place Premier League finish last season. 

The Red Devils have had a bad start to the current campaign, winning just three in seven league matches.

Fernandes has shown loyalty, rejecting opportunities to leave. Last summer, he was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal reportedly prepared to offer Manchester United a £100 million transfer fee and the player a contract worth up to £200 million.

Speaking to the press while on international duty with Portugal, Fernandes said, "I didn't close the door on moving to Saudi Arabia because of the World Cup," he stated, as reported by Daily Mail.

"That was never in my mind. I wanted to stay at Manchester United, and the club wanted me to stay. That's all there is to it.”

Speaking about his contract, he said, "That's an impossible scenario to imagine, because it's nothing that's been discussed with me," Fernandes explained.

"When it was discussed with me, I spoke openly with you at a press conference before a Nations League match."

He concluded, "I like to enjoy the moment, and the most important thing for me now is representing the national team... I'm happy where I am. Otherwise, I wouldn't have stayed, but it's something that doesn't affect me."