Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has said that the Red Devils "need" to keep hold of Bruno Fernandes this summer amid fresh speculation surrounding the attacker's future.
The Portugal international has been in excellent form for Man United during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 19 goals and registering 18 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions.
Fernandes was linked with a switch to Real Madrid earlier this year, and there is now speculation surrounding a possible move to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal believed to be desperate to sign him.
Al-Hilal are allegedly willing to pay a British record transfer fee for Fernandes, which could pocket Man United in excess of £107m, but it understood that the 20-time English champions have no plans to engage in exit talks.
Amorim was asked about his captain during Wednesday's press conference to preview Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford.
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Amorim: 'Man United need to keep Fernandes'
The Man United head coach has said that he 'understands' the transfer talk due to Fernandes's quality, but the Portuguese is determined to keep hold of "one of the top players of the world".
"I think it is easy to understand that [transfer speculation], not just because of the numbers but the way he plays. He is a top player and we need to top players. He is a leader, the captain. It is natural that people want Bruno, but we want to keep him. He is one of the top players of the world," Amorim told reporters.
Fernandes made the move to Man United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, and he will go down as one of the club's best-ever signings considering his contribution.
The attacker has scored 98 goals and registered 85 assists in 285 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, including 16 goals and 13 assists in 37 outings in the Europa League.
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Is Al-Hilal's interest in Fernandes serious?
Al-Hilal are said to be desperate to add a star player to their squad this summer, and Fernandes certainly fits the brief, with his form for a struggling Man United side this season absolutely remarkable.
Fernandes penned a lucrative new contract at Old Trafford last year, with his current deal running until June 2027, but he could become one of the best-paid sportsman of all time with a switch to the Saudi Pro League.
Al-Hilal will allegedly battle hard to secure the attacker's signature, and Man United may have a serious decision to make if an offer in excess of £107m is presented for a player who will be 31 at the start of next season.
Matt Law
