Bruno Fernandes rejects Al Hilal who are now aiming for a Man Utd target

Bruno Fernandes has turned down an offer for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal who have now set their sights on a Manchester United target.

United are among a list of top European clubs to have held talks with Atlanta midfielder Emerson's agent Andre Cury in the past few months, reports the Mirror.

Fernandes has decided to stay at Old Trafford and reject a blockbuster offer from Al Hilal, who were prepared to pay around £100 million for his signature and offer him a contract worth up to £700,000 per week.

This news will come as a huge relief to some United supporters, who see Fernandes as the heartbeat of the team and a leader both on and off the pitch.

But others will also think that aged 31, his departure would have allowed United to invest in younger talent.

Despite Fernandes’ commitment to United, the club had been actively preparing for the possibility of his departure.

One of the main names linked has been Pedro Gonçalves of Sporting, a player well known to United manager Ruben Amorim from their time together in Portugal.

Gonçalves, 26, has been a consistent goalscorer and creative force for Sporting, netting 14 goals last season despite injury setbacks, and is seen as a player who could slot seamlessly into Amorim’s system.

United have also been linked with Athletic Bilbao’s Oihan Sancet, a versatile attacker who has impressed in La Liga and would offer a different profile to Fernandes or Gonçalves.

The club’s recruitment team is clearly determined to ensure that, regardless of what happens with key players, they have strong options to strengthen the squad.

Fernandes’ decision to stay is a major boost psychologically for United in their ability to buy and retain players, especially after a challenging season that saw the club finish 15th in the Premier League and miss out on European football.

His leadership and creativity can now be crucial as Amorim looks to rebuild the team.