Bruno Fernandes has confirmed he was the subject of a “big offer” from Al-Hilal, but has decided to remain at Manchester United.
Reports have swirled around the Portuguese star in recent weeks, particularly in the wake of United’s limp UEFA Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
The 1-0 loss left The Red Devils’ with a season to forget, with no silverware and having finished in a historically-low 15th position in the Premier League.
A final-day win over 10-man Aston Villa was their only league victory against a non-relegated team since February.
Fernandes suggested after the Bilbao final that while he was committed to United, the fallen giants may decide to “cash in” on him.
And this week, widespread reports emerged of a £100 million bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal to United, alongside a £700,000 per week contract for the midfielder.
On Tuesday evening, Fernandes used his pre-game press conference ahead of the UEFA Nations League semi-final against Germany to put the story to bed.
He said: “There was that possibility. The president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask me about it.
“It was a big offer, very ambitious. There was a waiting period for me to think about the future.
“As I have always said, I would be willing to do it if Manchester United thought so. I spoke to the coach, Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it.
“The club said they would not be willing to sell me, only if I wanted to leave. If I had wanted to leave, they would have made it happen.
“I spoke to my wife and family, and she asked me what my personal goals were in my career.
“It would have been easy to move there, but I want to keep myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions and I feel capable of it. I am happy with my decision.”
Fernandes led the United ranks for both goals and assists this season, racking up 19 of each across all competitions.
He is nearing a goalscoring milestone for his career in England, sitting on 98 as he now heads into a seventh season.
The club captain has won the League Cup and FA Cup with United, as well as finishing as Europa League top scorer twice en route to collecting runners-up medals.