Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has opened up about his decision to remain at the club last summer despite interest from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, admitting he didn't want to leave while the team was struggling.
"I stayed because I thought I still had something that I can give back to the club," Fernandes told Wayne Rooney on a podcast. "Obviously the Saudi situation, with the money... there was a lot... The words of my wife were like, 'have you achieved your dreams? Have you achieved everything you wanted?' And that small thing she said made me understand that she's on the same page as me."
The 31-year-old Portuguese midfielder also revealed that he never imagined he would be in third place with United at this stage of the season. "We have got very good results. This league is so tough and at this moment, we are in the best position we could be. When Michael came in, we never thought at this moment, we would be third," he said.
Fernandes' comments come as United push for a return to the Champions League, needing a maximum of six points from their last five games. He also spoke about his ambition to win the Premier League and the Champions League, trophies that have eluded him since joining the club in 2020.
The midfielder, who has scored 106 goals in 322 appearances for United, reflected on his relationship with Carrick and the positive energy he brought after taking over as interim manager. "The way he prepared for the games and the way he spoke to us made you think he was more than an assistant manager. He was ready for the next step," Fernandes said.
Despite uncertainty over his contract, which has one year remaining, Fernandes remains focused on lifting the club's fortunes and adding to his collection of one FA Cup and one League Cup.