Al-Hilal went out of their way to sign Fernandes last summer and were reportedly willing to pay around £100 million for the Portuguese midfielder.
The 31-year-old turned down the move and has impressed in the Premier League this season. He leads the league for assists, while only Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is directly involved in more goals.
Fernandes has opened up about the transfer uncertainty in an interview with Canal 11 conducted last month.
He said his family was the main factor behind the decision to stay in Manchester, although revealed Amorim’s desire to keep the player also played a role. Fernandes believes Manchester United were keen to cash in after a big bid but were reluctant to go against the manager’s wishes.
“Manchester United wanted me to leave, that’s in my head. I think they didn’t have the courage because Ruben Amorim wanted me here, but from the club’s side I felt that if I left it wouldn’t be that bad,” he said.
“Cristiano advised me, but the final decision was always mine. I decided to stay because I truly love the club, but loyalty is no longer valued as much as it used to be…
“I decided to stay, also for family reasons, but because I truly love the club.
“The conversation with the manager also made me stay. But from the club’s side I had a bit of a feeling: ‘If you leave, it won’t be that bad for us.’ It hurts me a little. Not only does it hurt me, it makes me sad because I’m a player who [you can’t] criticize. I’m always available, I always play, good or bad. I give everything…
“If one day I have to play in Saudi Arabia, I will play in Saudi Arabia.
“I told the directors that, but I don’t think they had the courage to make that decision because the manager wanted me. If I had said I wanted to leave, they would have let me go.”
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