Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has said he will not talk about his future at the club until after next year’s World Cup.
The 31-year-old midfielder will make his 300th appearance for United on Saturday, as the team look to end a run of three straight home defeats against Brighton.
Since joining from Sporting Lisbon for £47 million in January 2020, Fernandes has missed only 17 matches in total — and just three because of injury or illness.
The Portuguese star rejected a massive offer from Al-Hilal in the summer and has since turned down further interest from Saudi Arabia and top European clubs.
Rumours about his future continue, but Fernandes has made it clear he is not planning to leave or hold any transfer talks for now.
“As I’ve always said, I feel good here. I still want to achieve my dreams,” Fernandes said.
“I’ve seen people say I already have an agreement to leave next season — but if that deal exists, it wasn’t made with me.
“My agent knows how I work. If he wants to talk to me, it will be after the World Cup. Until then, I won’t speak to anyone.”
Sources close to Fernandes told BBC Sport that he is not interested in a move to Saudi Arabia, though big European clubs outside England are watching him closely.
His current contract runs until 2027, with the option of an extra year. It is believed to include a £56.7 million (€65m) release clause for clubs outside England if triggered early.
Family and loyalty keep Fernandes focused
When Al-Hilal’s offer became public during United’s summer tour of Asia, Fernandes spoke to several people — including United chief executive Omar Berrada, technical director Jason Wilcox, national coach Ruben Amorim, team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, and his family.
Although the money was described as “life-changing”, Fernandes said no one at United pushed him to leave.
“My manager told me, ‘We want more players to help you. If we lose you, we lose something important,’” Fernandes recalled.
His wife, Ana, also played a big part in his decision.
“My family feels really good here,” he said. “My kids love their school and our life in Manchester. Sometimes it feels more like home than Portugal.
“My wife asked me, ‘Have you achieved everything you wanted at this club?’ And she’s right — I haven’t yet.”
A captain who leads by example
Fernandes is known for his total commitment to United. Less than a day after their first win at Anfield since 2016, he was back at the Carrington training ground in heavy rain, encouraging his team-mates after his own workout.
“When people say I’m committed ‘body and soul’, that’s what they mean,” he said.
For Fernandes, team success is far more important than personal praise.
“Of course, it’s nice when people say good things about me,” he admitted. “But what I really want are team achievements.
“I haven’t yet given this club the success it deserves. My personal stats mean nothing if we don’t win trophies.
“I want to be remembered for helping Manchester United win again — not just for my numbers.”