Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is happy at Old Trafford and says the Saudi rejection has nothing to do with the World Cup

Bruno Fernandes insists he is happy at Manchester United, dismissing suggestions he turned down a move to Saudi Arabia over the summer due to fears of missing out on the World Cup.

Portuguese midfielder Fernandes turned down lucrative contracts from Al Hilal and Al Ittihad during the lockdown in order to remain at Old Trafford.

Speaking ahead of Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland tomorrow, the United captain denied that his motivation for staying in the Premier League was to prove to national team coach Roberto Martinez that he can still cut it at the highest level.

He said: “I did not close the door on my move to Saudi Arabia because of the World Cup, it was never on my mind. I wanted to stay at Manchester United and the club wanted me to stay. Simple.”

I’m happy where I am – Fernandez

Speculation continues to link Fernandes with a move to the Premier League at the end of this season despite the fact that he is under contract with United until 2027, with the option to extend for a further year.

But the 31-year-old says he doesn’t think about it much with his sole focus on helping his country qualify for next summer’s World Cup.

He added: “It is an impossible scenario to imagine, because nothing was talked about with me.”

“When you talked to me about it, I spoke frankly with you in a press conference before a Nations League match. I like to enjoy the moment, and the most important thing for me now is to represent the national team, because it is a source of great pride to be able to play tomorrow, and I still don’t know if I will play, let alone if I will leave Manchester United in a year’s time.”

“I’m happy where I am, otherwise I wouldn’t stay, but it’s something that doesn’t worry me too much.”

Portugal is close to qualifying for the World Cup

Portugal will qualify for next week’s World Cup if they win both their matches against Ireland and Hungary and Armenia fail to win either of their matches against the same countries.

Fernandez said: “Our goal is to beat Ireland. After being in the World Cup, we dream of reaching this tournament. In such a short tournament, it is possible to reach the final even with some victories.”

“I’ve dreamed of this since I was little. I wanted to see Portugal at the top of the world. So I will keep dreaming until this goal is achieved.”