‘I Still Don’t Know’ – Ruben Amorim Breaks Silence on Bruno Fernandes’ Possible Saudi Arabia Move Next Year
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has finally broken his silence regarding ongoing rumours that club captain Bruno Fernandes could be tempted by another approach from the Saudi Pro League next year. Amorim’s comments, both cautious and revealing, shed light on the growing uncertainty surrounding Fernandes’ long-term future at Old Trafford — even after the Portuguese midfielder turned down a mega-money move from Al-Hilal last summer.
The speculation, which had seemed to cool after Fernandes’ public commitment to staying in Europe, has returned stronger as Saudi clubs prepare another wave of high-profile bids for European stars. Amorim’s reaction — encapsulated in the phrase “I still don’t know” — has sparked debate about whether Manchester United can realistically keep hold of their talisman beyond the next transfer window.
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Amorim’s Honest Admission: ‘I Still Don’t Know What Will Happen’
In his pre-match press conference ahead of United’s weekend Premier League clash, Amorim was asked directly about the renewed Saudi interest in Fernandes. Rather than dismissing the reports outright, the United boss responded with striking honesty.
> “I still don’t know what will happen,” Amorim told reporters. “Bruno is very happy here, but in football you can never say never. We’ve talked about his ambitions, and we both know he wants to keep playing at the highest level. But things can change — sometimes very fast.”
Those few sentences have been enough to reignite speculation that Fernandes’ future could be decided as early as next summer. Amorim’s choice of words, cautious and non-committal, suggest that while the club wants him to stay, the final decision will ultimately rest with the player himself.
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Bruno Fernandes’ Summer Decision Revisited
Just a few months ago, Bruno Fernandes made headlines after rejecting a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal, reportedly worth almost four times his current Manchester United salary. The deal was said to include massive signing bonuses and commercial incentives, but the Portugal international decided to remain in Europe, stressing his desire to “play in the biggest competitions” and “continue competing at the highest level.”
> “I am very proud of my career so far, but I still have goals to achieve here,” Fernandes said at the time. “I want to compete for big trophies and test myself every week against the best.”
However, even as he turned down the move, Fernandes admitted he hadn’t “closed the door completely” on a possible future switch to Saudi Arabia, acknowledging that the football landscape is changing rapidly. That nuanced statement now seems more relevant than ever, especially after Amorim’s latest comments.
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Why Amorim’s Statement Matters
Amorim’s reputation has always been one of control and composure. Since taking over at Manchester United, he has often handled questions about transfers with calculated precision. For him to openly admit uncertainty about Fernandes’ long-term future is therefore significant.
It reflects two key realities:
1. United’s financial limitations under ongoing restructuring – The club may struggle to match the astronomical wages on offer in Saudi Arabia.
2. Fernandes’ career timing – At 30, he is approaching what could be the final major contract of his career.
Amorim’s words seem to acknowledge this delicate balance. He knows Fernandes is driven by ambition and pride, but he also understands that the midfielder, like many players, will have to consider financial and personal factors in the coming years.
> “Bruno is a professional. He gives everything every day in training and in matches,” Amorim said. “That’s what matters now. As for the future — only time will tell.”
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Manchester United’s Dilemma: Build or Cash In?
Behind the scenes, Manchester United face a major strategic decision. Fernandes remains their most consistent and influential player, contributing goals, assists, and leadership both on and off the pitch. Losing him would be a huge blow — but so would refusing an enormous transfer offer if one arrives next summer.
Reports from England suggest that Saudi clubs, including Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, are preparing to return with even bigger offers in 2026. The Saudi league is determined to bring in a European midfield superstar, and Fernandes — given his popularity, leadership status, and global following — fits the profile perfectly.
For United, the question is whether to resist again or to see the move as a financial opportunity. A sale could bring in over £80 million, which might help fund squad rebuilding. But the loss of a player like Fernandes could also undermine the team’s morale and identity at a critical stage in Amorim’s project.
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Amorim and Fernandes: A Complex Relationship
Ruben Amorim and Bruno Fernandes share a long-standing connection, having both risen through Portuguese football and shared mutual respect since their Sporting Lisbon days. Amorim was reportedly one of the key figures who convinced Fernandes to stay at Manchester United during the summer.
However, sources close to the team suggest that both men have had frank conversations about the future. Amorim understands Fernandes’ ambition and would not stand in his way if he ultimately chooses to leave.
> “The most important thing for any player is happiness,” Amorim said in his press conference. “Bruno is happy right now. He’s focused, motivated, and he’s the captain of one of the biggest clubs in the world. That’s what we want — but we can’t control everything that happens in football.”
This pragmatic tone hints at Amorim’s realism. While he clearly values Fernandes deeply, he appears unwilling to make grand promises about keeping him indefinitely.
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The Saudi Temptation: Why Next Year Could Be Different
Unlike last summer, when Fernandes could still see a path to competing for major honours with Manchester United, next year’s picture may look very different. If the club fails to qualify for the Champions League again or continues to struggle domestically, Fernandes might begin to reconsider his options.
Saudi clubs, on the other hand, have not slowed their recruitment drive. Stars like Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema have paved the way for more top-level European players to join, and Saudi officials have made it clear that their next target is to attract influential team leaders, not just ageing stars.
Given Fernandes’ stature as captain and playmaker, he fits perfectly into that vision.
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Fans React: Hope and Fear
Fan reactions to Amorim’s comments have been mixed. Many supporters praised his honesty, preferring a manager who speaks truthfully rather than hiding behind PR language. However, others fear that his uncertainty signals that the club may not be able to retain its key players.
On social media, United fans expressed both admiration for Fernandes’ professionalism and anxiety about his possible departure. One supporter wrote:
> “You can’t blame Bruno if he leaves, but it’ll be a disaster if the club lets him go. He’s our heartbeat.”
Another commented:
> “Amorim sounds like he’s preparing us for bad news next summer.”
Such sentiments reflect the fragile mood among fans who have watched star players leave before — from Cristiano Ronaldo to Paul Pogba — and worry about history repeating itself.
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What the Future Might Hold
If Fernandes continues performing at a high level this season, United will likely offer him another improved contract to ward off Saudi interest. However, the financial gap between Premier League wages and Saudi offers is massive — potentially insurmountable.
Amorim, meanwhile, will have to balance his short-term tactical plans with long-term squad management. Finding a suitable successor for Fernandes would be nearly impossible, given his influence, creativity, and leadership.
Still, Amorim remains calm. His final words in the press conference were telling:
> “We plan with Bruno, we play with Bruno, and we win with Bruno — until something changes. That’s football.”
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Conclusion: A Future Unwritten
Ruben Amorim’s candid statement — “I still don’t know” — captures the uncertainty that defines modern football. Despite loyalty, contracts, and promises, the game remains unpredictable, shaped by ambition, opportunity, and finance.
For now, Bruno Fernandes is a Manchester United player — captain, creator, and leader. But as the Saudi Pro League’s power grows and Manchester United’s future remains unstable, the prospect of a new chapter abroad cannot be ruled out.
Whether next year brings another rejection or a farewell, one thing is certain: Amorim’s honesty has reignited a story that won’t fade anytime soon. The world will be watching to see what Bruno Fernandes decides when Saudi Arabia comes calling again.
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