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James GoldmanPublished Feb 3, 2024, 11:51am|Updated Feb 3, 2024, 11:52am
Bruno Fernandes rejected an ‘astronomical offer’ to leave Manchester United during the January transfer window.
Al-Hilal manager Jorge Jesus identified the United skipper as his No.1 target and his club backed him by putting together an eye-watering package, according to Record (via Sport Witness).
Jesus worked with the Portugal international during their time together at Sporting Lisbon but the 29-year-old remains committed to the Premier League giants.
Bruno is understood to believe he still has unfinished business in European football, while he still feels an enormous sense of loyalty to a club who are in the midst of a major rebuilding process.
While change is afoot in the summer following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment, Erik ten Hag is likely to retain the services of a player who he entrusted with the captain’s armband following the decision to strip Harry Maguire of the responsibility last season.
Ten Hag, meanwhile, says it is ‘not a secret’ that he wanted to bring in a striker and admits Manchester United’s inability to sign one means he will have to be a ‘little bit creative’ for the rest of the season.
The January transfer window has been quiet across the Premier League, thanks in no small part to the threat of its profit and sustainability rules.
United were in action during the final hours of deadline day, with teenage star Kobbie Mainoo brilliantly firing United to a 4-3 victory at Wolves deep in stoppage time on Thursday evening.
Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund were among the goalscorers at Molineux, but Anthony Martial’s groin injury means there are no other proven options to lead the line.
Omari Forson, 19, came on in place of Hojlund and assisted Mainoo on his Premier League debut, with Ten Hag needing to be similarly imaginative as United look for Champions League qualification and FA Cup glory.
Asked if he was confident he has the squad required to achieve their objectives despite not bringing in a striker, the Red Devils boss said: ‘I think it’s not a secret that I wanted a striker extra.
‘Because with the injury of Martial we don’t really have back-up there, but it was not possible because we have to match the FFP rules.
‘We have Omari, we have Amad Diallo, of course we have Rashford who can play there. I think for the rest, all the positions are occupied. But, yeah, we have to be a little bit creative if it’s up to the number nine position.’
MORE : Paul Merson names the underperforming Chelsea duo that can’t be dropped
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MORE : Manchester United plan new Kobbie Mainoo contract in the summer
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