Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has claimed the club’s hierarchy wanted to sell him during the summer transfer window amid strong interest from Saudi Arabia, but stopped short of doing so because head coach Rúben Amorim was determined to keep him.

Speaking to Portuguese broadcaster Canal 11, Fernandes said United’s directors were open to a lucrative sale — with Al Hilal reportedly prepared to offer around €100 million — but lacked the resolve to push through a move against the manager’s wishes.

The 30-year-old remained at Old Trafford, but admitted the episode left him feeling undervalued by the club.

“In England, when a player turns 30, they think it’s time to rebuild. Loyalty isn’t viewed the same way as it used to be,” Fernandes said.

“I could have left this summer and earned a lot more money. A year ago, I could have left and probably won many trophies this season, but I chose to stay — not only for family reasons, but because I truly love the club.

“From the club’s side, it felt like, ‘If you go, it’s not that bad for us.’ That hurts. More than hurting, it makes me sad. I’m a player they can’t fault — I’m always available and I always give my best.”

Fernandes said he remains open to a future move to Saudi Arabia, but stressed that finances are not his motivation and that he believes United ultimately rejected any offers because Amorim wanted him to stay.

“I don’t look at it for the money. Financially, I can’t complain, even though the difference with Saudi Arabia is huge,” he explained. “If I ever go there, it won’t be for financial reasons. It would be because of the lifestyle, because my children would have sunshine after six years of cold and rain in Manchester, and because I’d be playing in a league that is growing.

“My passion and connection with the club were the same, but there comes a point where money matters more to them than you do. The club wanted me to leave. I told the directors that — I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision because the coach wanted me to stay.

“But if I had said I wanted to leave, even with the coach wanting me to stay, the club would have let me go.”

Fernandes also revealed he discussed a potential move to Saudi Arabia with former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who offered advice on the switch.

“We spoke about Saudi Arabia — he was the one who brought it up — but the decision was always mine,” Fernandes added. “It would have been an easy move, especially with Rúben Neves and João Cancelo there with their families, whose kids know mine.”