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05 Jun, 2025
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Roy Keane left looking silly as Bruno Fernandes makes bold Man United transfer decision
@Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Roy Keane may be feeling red-faced after Bruno Fernandes turned down a £100m move to Al-Hilal. The 30-year-old's future at Manchester United was thrown into question earlier this week, as the Saudi Pro League giants tried to lure the Fernandes away from Old Trafford with a lucrative four-year deal reportedly worth £700k per-week. However, showing a clear display of commitment to United, Fernandes opted to snub Al-Hilal, choosing instead to remain in the north west of England. As a result, Red Devils legend Keane may be feeling slightly embarrassed at his past criticisms of the attacking midfielder. After a 3-0 loss at home to Manchester City back in 2023, Keane even went as far as urging then manager Erik ten Hag to strip Fernandes of his captaincy on Sky Sports, questioning his leadership skills. He said: "The first thing I would do is take the captaincy off him. I know it's a big decision but Fernandes is not captain material. He's a talented player, but what I saw today - he's whinging, he's moaning, he's throwing his arms up in the air constantly - it really isn't acceptable. "When you're talking about where do they make changes - board level, managers - I'd start with that because the manager is capable of doing that. Fernandes is a brilliant footballer but he's the opposite to what you want in a captain." With a lacklustre 2024/25 campaign in the rear-view window under new boss Ruben Amorim - which saw Manchester United finish 15th in the Premier League , as well as missing out on a Europa League title to Tottenham - many players may have found such an offer from Al-Hilal too good to pass up. However, Fernandes - who has been a shining star in a largely rusty United side this season - showed just how dedicated he is to his current team by snubbing the move to the Saudi Pro League, potentially quashing any past reservation that Keane may have held of him. Speaking about his decision to remain at Old Trafford, Fernandes told a Portuguese press conference on Tuesday: "There was an opportunity. The [Al-Hilal] president called me and asked if I wanted to go there. "They were waiting for me. I spoke to coach Amorim. He asked me not to go. Manchester United didn’t want to sell me. They don’t need the money. If I had wanted to leave, they would have made it happen." He added: "It was an easy move, even at a family level. I had João Cancelo there, my children are used to playing with him in the national team. We have a great friendship. But I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions and I feel capable of it." It comes as Amorim will look to potentially overhaul the current squad that he inherited from Ten Hag after taking the reins of in November - given that he has failed to mould the players to suit his unique system and style of play. The Red Devils have already been active in the summer transfer window, securing a £62.5million deal with Wolves for striker Matheus Cunha . The 26-year-old Brazilian's deal is subject to visa approval and registration procedures, and is expected to be completed once the star returns from international duty later this month. With 15 goals in 33 appearances for Wolves this season, Cunha could become the solution to United's issues in front of goal. First choice striker Rasmus Hojlund could only manage four goals in 32 Premier League appearances this season, while last summer's marquee signing, Joshua Zirkzee , registered just three goals in the top-flight. Elsewhere, it is thought that the Red Devils are looking to secure the services of Brentford star, Bryan Mbeumo . The 25-year-old scored 20 goals for the Bees this season, and it is thought that Old Trafford is his destination of choice this summer. As per the Telegraph , United have offered a package worth up to £55m for the talisman, consisting of an initial £45m and £10m in add-ons. However, they may need to up this slightly to secure Mbeumo's signature, given that Brentford are in no rush to sell the player they reportedly value at £60m, given he is under contract until next summer with the option to extend for a year.
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