The Portuguese midfielder has been the subject of interest from Saudi Pro League clubs during recent transfer windows and was "hurt" by the fact that the Old Trafford hierarchy were open to cashing in.

Fernandes - who also revealed that he has turned down offers to leave United - told Portuguese outlet Canal 11: "Nowadays, the issue of loyalty is no longer seen the way it used to be. I could have left in the last transfer window and would have earned a lot more money. Financially, it would have been much better for me.

"At one point I was going to leave – I won’t say where – but I would have won many trophies that season. I decided to stay not only for family reasons but because I genuinely like the club. The conversation with the coach also made me stay.

"But from the club’s side, I felt a bit of: ‘If you go, it’s not really that bad for us.’ That hurts me a little. More than hurting, it makes me sad, because I’m a player they have nothing to criticise me for. I’m always available for every match, I always play, whether well or badly. I give my maximum.

"Then you look around you and see players who don’t value the club as much as you do and who don’t defend the club as much. That makes you sad."

However, Fernandes hasn't completely closed the door on a switch to Saudi Arabia.

The playmaker said: "Financially, I can’t complain – I’m paid very well. Obviously the difference is enormous but that was never what guided me – if one day I have to play in Saudi Arabia, I will play in Saudi Arabia. My lifestyle will change, my children’s lives will have sun, after six years in Manchester with cold and rain. I’ll be playing in a growing league, with players who are internationally recognised."