Rio Ferdinand reveals he texted Bruno Fernandes after Man Utd captain snubbed eye-watering Saudi offer to stay at Old Trafford

After a frustrating 2024-25 campaign, United skipper Fernandes was strongly linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League as Al-Hilal were reportedly preparing a lucrative contract proposal for the midfielder. However, Fabrizio Romano reported on Tuesday that the Portuguese star has snubbed the eye-watering offer to stay back at Old Trafford as he wants to continue playing in Europe.

Former Red Devils and England defender Ferdinand hailed Fernandes' commitment to the club as he revealed that he had sent a text to the club captain after hearing the news that he was staying back in Manchester.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: "Listen, I've got to be honest with you. I don't know if I could have said no. He's 30 years old, at a club that struggling. Bruno's staying, our most potent goalscorer, our biggest provider, our biggest chance maker, he does a lot and our captain. I couldn't have woken up this morning happier, and I did message him. I won't go into the details of that, but what a man."

With Fernandes' future secured and Matheus Cunha's transfer finalised, Ruben Amorim will now hope that the club make progress in their pursuit of Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, who has reportedly expressed his desire to play for the English giants.