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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has made it clear that he intends to retain club captain Bruno Fernandes amid growing speculation linking the midfielder with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.
Reports suggest that Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are preparing a significant bid for the 30-year-old Portuguese playmaker, but Amorim dismissed the notion of letting go of such a vital player. Speaking ahead of United’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao, Amorim hailed Fernandes as “one of the top players in the world” and reaffirmed his commitment to keeping him at Old Trafford.
Fernandes has been a standout performer for United since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, and he underlined his importance last week with a brace in the 3-0 win away in Bilbao. That result has placed United in a commanding position ahead of Thursday’s return leg at Old Trafford.
“Bruno’s importance is obvious — not just through his stats but his leadership and influence over the past five years,” said Amorim on Wednesday. “We need top players, and Bruno is one of the best. It’s natural that big clubs want players like him and Garnacho, but our stance is unchanged. We want to keep Bruno here.”
Speculation around Fernandes’ future follows earlier links to Real Madrid in March, but Amorim insists his message to the United skipper remains the same — that he isn’t going anywhere.
United youngster Alejandro Garnacho also addressed questions about his future, having attracted interest from clubs including Chelsea and Napoli during the January window. The 20-year-old forward, who has netted 26 goals in 140 appearances, said he remains content at United.
“You always hear things, that’s part of football,” said Garnacho. “But I’ve got a contract until 2028, and I’m happy here.”
The focus now shifts to Thursday night’s clash with Athletic Bilbao, which offers United their last realistic shot at a trophy this season. Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in November, has struggled to lift United domestically — the club currently sit 15th in the Premier League — but continental success remains within reach.
United are not only three goals up, with Fernandes and Casemiro scoring alongside the benefit of Bilbao’s Dani Vivian being sent off, but are playing at home for the decisive leg.
However, the team could be without defender Matthijs de Ligt, who missed training on Wednesday. The Dutchman had only just returned from injury and was forced off again during Sunday’s 4-3 loss to Brentford. Christian Eriksen also sat out the final session but is expected to be fit for the game.
