Why Bruno Fernandes Should Leave Manchester United for Al-Hilal

Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United’s talismanic captain, stands at a career crossroads. At 30, with 19 goals and 16 assists in the 2024/25 season despite United’s dismal 16th-place Premier League finish, he remains a world-class midfielder. Yet, the Red Devils’ Europa League final loss to Tottenham on May 21, 2025, costing them £100m in Champions League revenue, has plunged the club into financial and competitive uncertainty. Al-Hilal, the Saudi Pro League giants, have tabled a staggering £65m-per-season, three-year contract, potentially £200m total, aiming to secure Fernandes before the Club World Cup in June, 2025. While Ruben Amorim and United insist their skipper is untouchable, the case for Fernandes to depart Old Trafford for Riyadh is compelling. This piece is set to explore reasons why Fernandes should seize Al-Hilal’s offer, driven by United’s stagnation and his unfulfilled trophy ambitions.

Manchester United’s decline

Since joining United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 for £68m, Fernandes has been a beacon in a storm, amassing 98 goals and 86 assists in 289 appearances. His 35 goal involvements this season account for 83% of United’s goals. Yet, United’s 16th-place standing, with 18 losses and a -12 goal difference, marks their worst campaign in 50 years. The Europa League final defeat was the straw that broke the Carmel’s back, that even Fernandes’ leadership can’t fix.United’s financial woes has made matters more difficult. Missing Champions League football triggers a £10m Adidas penalty and slashed merit payments, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group placing the entire squad, including Fernandes, up for sale to fund a rebuild.

At 31 in September, Fernandes risks putting his prime in a club “further away than ever” from domestic glory. Al-Hilal’s £100m transfer offer could bankroll United’s pursuit of targets like Matheus Cunha or Victor Osimhen, while freeing Fernandes from a rebuilding project with no guaranteed success.

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Fernandes deserves silverware

Fernandes’ trophy cabinet is painfully scarce for a player of his caliber. Since 2020, he has won just the 2023 League Cup and 2024 FA Cup, a poor return for his 184 goal involvements. The Europa League final loss was a missed chance to etch his name in United’s history. At United, his relentless output, key passes, dribbles per match, has been squandered by inconsistent teammates and managerial troubles (Solskjaer, Ten Hag, now Amorim).

Al-Hilal offers a stark contrast. The Saudi Pro League champions, with former Premier League stars like Ruben Neves, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Kalidou Koulibaly, are seasonal winners, clinching four straight titles and the 2024 AFC Champions League. Their 2024/25 squad, averaging 2.8 goals per game, is a trophy machine. Fernandes, as a star signing, would orchestrate their attack alongside Joao Cancelo and Neves, his Portugal teammates, ensuring regular silverware. The Club World Cup, starting June 18 against Real Madrid, offers a global stage to compete for a historic title. For a player who desires trophies, Al-Hilal’s winning culture is a right call.

Financial benefits

Al-Hilal’s offer (£700,000 per week), rising to £1.25m with bonuses, is a financial game-changer, four times Fernandes’ £250,000-weekly United wage. The £65m annual salary, tax-free in Saudi Arabia, would make him one of the world’s highest-paid players, even than Cristiano Ronaldo’s £53m at Al-Nassr. Over three years, Fernandes could amass £195m, securing generational wealth as he nears 34. United’s 25% wage cut for missing Europe, further tilts the scales, especially with Fernandes’ contract running until 2027 (plus an optional year).

Beyond money, Riyadh offers lifestyle perks. Al-Hilal’s state-of-the-art facilities, a passionate fanbase, and a city hosting global events like the 2034 World Cup align with Fernandes’ ambition to remain a footballing icon. His openness to new leagues, suggests Europe is not a do or die affair. Staying in Portugal’s national team, is possible, with Al-Hilal’s Club World Cup exposure ensuring visibility. United’s uncertain rebuild, with no European football and a potential 17th-place finish, offers little in comparison.

Counterarguments: The contest of loyalty and reality

Amorim’s insistence that Fernandes is “one of the best players in the world” and vital to United’s rebuild is a strong counterpoint. Fernandes’ loyalty “I’ve always said I’ll be here until the club says it’s time to go” and his rejection of Saudi offers last summer shows his commitment. United fans on social media argue he’s the “heart” of the team, with many praising his “world-class” Bilbao performance despite the loss. Staying could see him chase United’s glory days, especially if Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 and signings like Cunha become possible.

However, loyalty is a double-edged sword. Fernandes’ “best years” have yielded just two trophies, and United’s “worst team in 50 years” offers no quick fix. His desire to stay until the 2026 World Cup, is viable at Al-Hilal, where he’d face less physical wear than United’s 55 games per season. Real Madrid and PSG’s interest, is speculative, while Al-Hilal’s concrete £100m bid and £65m salary are unmatched. Staying risks another trophyless season.

Conclusion: Time to fly to Al-Hilal

Bruno Fernandes has given Manchester United everything, goals, assists, leadership, and heart. But at 30, with United recent struggles, financially strapped, and trophyless in Europe, he owes them nothing more. Al-Hilal’s £200m offer is not just a paycheck; it is a chance to win titles, dominate the Club World Cup, and shape football’s new stage alongside Neves and Mitrovic. His post-final openness, signals readiness for change. Staying at United risks wasting his peak in a rebuild that has no strong assurance, while Al-Hilal promises trophies, wealth, and a legacy as Saudi’s next superstar. Fernandes should take the route as Riyadh beckons, and time waits for no one.