Revealed: Bruno Fernandes transfer stance amid Saudi Pro League interest - with speculation linking Man Utd captain with move to join Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East

Fernandes remains under contract in Manchester through to the summer of 2027, with those terms including the option for a further 12-month extension. He is 31 years of age, but continues to deliver at a high standard for the Red Devils - who have been infuriatingly inconsistent as a collective across several seasons.

Losing their skipper would represent a serious blow to United, with Ruben Amorim looking to build around his fellow countryman. Nobody comes close to matching the mercurial midfielder’s output when looking at end product - with 100 goals being reached for the Red Devils through 297 appearances in all competitions.

Fernandes’ value to any given cause is clear for all to see, which has led to admiring glances being shot in his direction from the Middle East. It is claimed that lucrative offers from Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad were knocked back over the summer as formal approaches were made.

There has been talk of more of those being readied, with the experienced Portugal international being given the chance to tread a similar career path to Cristiano Ronaldo - who linked up with Al-Nassr after seeing his second spell on United’s books come to a close.

According to BBC Sport, Fernandes has no intention of heading down that route. They claim that “sources close to the United skipper have completely rejected recent suggestions he is ready to quit Old Trafford after the World Cup next summer and accept a Saudi offer”. Said report goes on to claim that Fernandes is “only interested in playing in major European leagues”.

Fernandes is said to be “fully committed to United”, with there confidence on his part that long-term plans being pieced together by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and club co-owners INEOS will deliver an upturn in fortune. BBC Sport state that “Fernandes is determined to put everything into helping United towards a better future, while also believing it is possible to secure a top-five finish that could earn a place in next season's Champions League”.

There have been reports to suggest that United would demand more than £60 million ($80m) from any deal involving Fernandes, with there understandable reluctance on their part to see a prized asset move on. The hope is that such an asking price will deter any potential suitors. Big-spending sides in the Saudi Pro League do, however, boast deep pockets.

Amorim has spoken of his desire to see Fernandes stay put, with there an important role for him to play with United heading forward. The Red Devils’ under-fire coach has said of his captain: “He deserves all the praise. That guy deserves to be in the history of our club, not just for what he does but for what his team conquers.”

United have looked to use Fernandes in a deeper playmaking berth this season, rather than pushing him forward as an archetypal No.10. Amorim believes that he can be more effective in that role as he sees more of the ball and can dictate proceedings from the middle of the pitch.

That could be considered to impact his attacking threat somewhat, with positions being taken up further away from the opposition goal, but United need players of his ilk to be involved as often as possible in an ongoing bid to make Amorim’s favoured 3-4-3 system work.

With Fernandes seemingly happy in his current surroundings for now, United - who have picked up 10 points from seven games this season to sit 10th in the Premier League table - will be back in action after the latest international break when heading to Anfield for a meeting with old adversaries Liverpool on October 19.