Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes reportedly rejected more than two lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.
The 28-year-old has been a vital player for the Red Devils since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, representing the club on 185 occasions, scoring 64 goals and registering 54 assists in the process.
Fernandes was again in strong form for Man United during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 59 occasions in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and registering 15 assists in the process.
The midfielder sported the captain's armband for the majority of last season due to Harry Maguire's struggles.
Maguire has now been stripped of the captaincy at Old Trafford, and Fernandes is widely expected to be confirmed as the club's new skipper for the 2023-24 campaign.
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According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, earlier this summer, Fernandes received more than two offers from Saudi Arabia, but the Portuguese made it clear that he was not interested in a switch to the Saudi Pro League.
The midfielder penned a new contract with Man United last April, with his current terms due to run until June 2026, and he is viewed as a vital part of Erik ten Hag's plans both now and in the future.
Fernandes returned to pre-season training with the Red Devils on Saturday, having been given extra time off following his international commitments over the summer.
However, the Portuguese will not be involved in Wednesday's pre-season friendly against Lyon, which is also the case for the likes of Marcus Rashford and Casemiro.
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Fernandes will be a part of the squad that travels to the United States, though, for the friendlies against Arsenal, Wrexham, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.
The 20-time English champions will then play their final two friendlies of the summer against Lens and Athletic Bilbao at the start of August before beginning their new Premier League campaign at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 14.
Man United have already made one signing this summer, bringing in Mason Mount from Chelsea, while Andre Onana is close to making the move to Old Trafford from Inter Milan.
Once a deal for Onana is complete, the Red Devils will allegedly switch their attention to securing the signing of Atalanta BC centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund.
Matt Law
