The Manchester United captain reportedly received interest from Al Hilal and Al Ittihad in the summer window but chose to remain at Old Trafford. Speculation has since continued, with some suggesting he could reconsider after the 2026 World Cup.

Sources close to Fernandes have maintained that he is committed to Manchester United and the ongoing project under Ruben Amorim.

Speaking while on international duty ahead of Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, Fernandes explained his decision to stay.

He said he did not reject Saudi Arabia because of the World Cup and made it clear that his desire was to continue at Manchester United.

He said: “I didn’t close the door on moving to Saudi Arabia because of the World Cup. That was never in my mind. I wanted to stay at Manchester United, and the club wanted me to stay. That’s all there is to it.”

When asked if a future move to the Middle East was possible, he responded cautiously but made it clear he is focused on the present.

He said: “That’s an impossible scenario to imagine, because it’s nothing that’s been discussed with me. I like to enjoy the moment, and the most important thing for me now is representing the national team. I’m happy where I am – otherwise, I wouldn’t have stayed, but it’s something that doesn’t affect me.”

Fernandes has had a mixed start to the current season. He has been deployed in a deeper role to accommodate Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo and has missed two penalties, admitting he needs to work harder to improve from the spot.