Bruno Fernandes has spoken out against media speculation, calling reports about his relationship with manager Michael Carrick "lies," while a potential move to Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal reportedly appears unlikely.
It's been a challenging period for both Fernandes and Manchester United. The midfielder recently found himself benched following critical comments about Carrick's tactics after a heavy defeat to Como. United lost that match 4-1, leading Fernandes to question the team's setup, with Carrick subsequently dropping him for the next game against Bournemouth.
However, according to talkSPORT, Al Hilal is no longer considered a primary suitor for Fernandes. He has been quoted addressing the media coverage he's faced, stating, "It’s been tough, there’s been a lot of speculation in the media. A lot of lies around many things that have happened between me and the manager."
Fernandes clarified the situation regarding his benching, explaining, "we have cleared the air, then after that the manager took the decision to put me on the bench because I’m not performing. That’s fair." He acknowledged that some might have seen it as a punishment for his earlier comments but accepted the manager's decision. "And, if it was, it was right. The manager is the one who makes the decisions."
Despite the speculation, Fernandes stressed his commitment to the club. "It doesn’t change the belief I have of the manager and the staff and every player in this club. It doesn’t change my aim to win every game that I have ahead of me," he added.
The long-term future of Fernandes at Old Trafford remains uncertain, with contract extension talks reportedly stalled. Manchester United holds an option to extend his current contract by an additional year. However, securing a long-term commitment from the 32-year-old midfielder would likely be a priority for the club. A failure to renew his contract could signal his openness to a move, even if Al Hilal is no longer a viable option.
