Amorim Confident Bruno Fernandes Will Stay at Manchester United Despite Saudi Links

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed optimism that club captain Bruno Fernandes will remain at Old Trafford, despite mounting speculation over a potential move to Saudi Arabia.

Fernandes, who has been linked with a lucrative switch to Al Hilal, played in United’s final post-season friendly in Hong Kong, where the Red Devils came from behind to seal a 3-1 win. Teen sensation Chido Obi made headlines with a second-half brace, while Ayden Heaven added a late third to round off the victory.

Speaking after the match, Amorim addressed questions about Fernandes’ future.

“I don’t think this was Bruno’s last game for Manchester United,” Amorim said. “I can’t say anything with certainty, but from our conversations and the changes we’re putting in place, I get the feeling he wants to be part of it.”

The Portuguese boss, who stepped in mid-season to replace Erik ten Hag but was unable to steer United beyond a disappointing 15th-place finish, now faces a crucial summer as he looks to rebuild.

Fernandes, 30, was a bright spark in the first half at a near-capacity Hong Kong Stadium before being substituted. Amorim hinted that their private talks gave him confidence that the midfield maestro remains committed.

“We’ve spoken at length. As a fellow Portuguese, there’s a mutual understanding. When you talk to someone, you can usually tell what’s in their heart — and I believe he wants to stay,” Amorim added.

The match itself started off poorly for United, who were jeered off the pitch in Malaysia earlier in the week. They again struggled in the first half against a spirited Hong Kong side, ranked 153rd in the world.

United fell behind in the 19th minute after a mistake from stand-in goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who failed to stop a strike from Brazil-born Juninho.

Despite dominating possession, United’s frontline lacked sharpness, with Fernandes missing a clear one-on-one after opting for flair over simplicity.

Conditions worsened with heavy rain making the surface slippery, but United came alive after the break with the introduction of 17-year-old Chido Obi and winger Amad Diallo, the latter returning to action after a controversial incident in Kuala Lumpur.

Obi leveled the game five minutes into the second half with a composed turn and finish, then added a second with a neat header in the 82nd minute. Ayden Heaven capped off the performance with a late goal as United ended their Asia tour on a positive note.

Alejandro Garnacho also featured in the starting XI amid ongoing rumors about his future, while regulars like Casemiro and Rasmus Højlund played from the outset.

Despite the win, the post-season tour underscored the challenges ahead for Amorim. However, securing Fernandes' commitment would be a major boost as United begin preparations for a crucial rebuild.

Source

Punch

Related Posts: