Amorim determined to keep Fernandes at Man Utd despite Saudi interest

Ruben Amorim has firmly stated his intention to retain Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes, even though there is interest coming from Saudi Arabia. He described the Portuguese player as "one of the best talents globally."

Since signing with Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, this 30-year-old playmaker has become an essential player for the team. He contributed significantly by scoring twice during their recent 3-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals held last week.

However, the lead-up to Thursday’s rematch in Manchester has been largely focused on speculation that Saudi team Al Hilal is ready to present a substantial bid for Fernandes.

However, Amorim, who stated in March that he informed Fernandes he “was not leaving” after connections to Real Madrid surfaced, remained resolute amidst rumors about a potential transfer to Saudi Arabia at the end of the season.

"I believe his significance is quite clear — not only due to the statistics but also how he performs on the field and the impact he has had over his five-year tenure," said United’s head coach Amorim at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

We have an exceptional player here; we require such high-caliber individuals. He takes charge and leads as our captain, making him truly vital. Naturally, many teams would be interested in securing a talent akin to Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, among others.

However, our aim is to retain the finest athletes, and Bruno undoubtedly ranks among the elite global players, hence our strategy remains unchanged. We desire Bruno to be with us.

Meanwhile, Garnacho states that he is content at Old Trafford as rumors about his future continue to escalate.

The 20-year-old graduate of United’s youth system has netted 26 times in 140 matches with the club, notably scoring during their victory against city rivals Manchester City in last May's FA Cup final.

However, Garnacho’s prospects remain unclear as United plan to revamp their team under financial limitations and sustainability rules. During the winter transfer window, both Chelsea and Napoli have shown interest in him.

"As a professional football player, you will inevitably come across various rumors regarding your future," Argentinian international Garnacho stated on Wednesday, speaking alongside Amorim.

However, I've got a contract valid till 2028, hence I am content with my current situation.

Manchester United have one final opportunity to secure silverware this season as they aim to bounce back from a challenging campaign. The once-dominant force in English football finds itself languishing in 15th place in the Premier League standings following the mid-season switch from the dismissed Erik ten Hag to new manager Amorim in November.

They not only lead 3-0 from the first match in Spain, with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice after Casemiro’s opener, but Athletic Bilbao also saw Dani Villan new red carded.

Matthijs de Ligt from United appears likely to be absent for the second leg as he did not participate in training the day before the semi-final on Thursday.

The Netherlands international returned from a month out as a second-half substitute in Spain and went on to start in Sunday's 4-3 loss away to Brentford, only to limp off after 35 minutes.

Christian Eriksen also missed Wednesday's training session but is expected to be available on Thursday.

Manchester United boss Amorim starting to see improvements I won’t have the time; I must get it right and quick,” states Amorim.