Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he had 'concrete offers' to leave Manchester United before signing his new deal.
The Red Devils captainhas put pen-to-paper on a new long-term contract, committing his future to the club until 2027.
The new contract, which includes the option of a further year, represents a huge boost to manager Erik ten Hag on the eve of the new season. It is understood the new deal is an improvement on his £240,000 a week deal and brings him in line with the club's top earners.
There had been uncertainty around the long-term future of Fernandes, who has won three Player of the Year awards since joining United in January 2020, at the end of last season but those doubts have now been dismissed.
Now, he has revealed that he had the chance to leave the club this summer, but instead opted to commit his future to the Old Trafford side.
Midfielder Bruno Fernandes has signed a new long-term contract at Manchester United
The deal hands manager Erik ten Hag a boost just days ahead of their Premier League opener
Fernandes' new contract will keep him at the club until 2027 - with the option of an extra year
'This vote of confidence from the club was very important for me,' Fernandes told ESPN Brasil. 'Even because I was approached [by other clubs], the club was aware that there was a possibility of me leaving, I had concrete offers.
'But the club showed that it needed me, that it was at a time of change and that they wanted to do things differently.'
Upon signing his new deal, Fernandes said: 'Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United. I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt, and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club.
'I have had so many special moments here already; hearing my name sung from the Stretford End, scoring a hat trick against Leeds, leading the team out at Old Trafford on European nights and lifting trophies at Wembley.
'But I wouldn't have signed this contract if I didn't believe that my best moments in a United shirt are still to come.'
Fernandes made it plain at the back end of last season that while he wanted to stay, he needed United to prove how much they wanted him and the onus was on the newly-constructed leadership team to show the captain their vision.
'From my discussions with the football leadership and manager, it is clear how determined everyone is to fight for major trophies in the years ahead,' he added.
'I can see how positive the future is going to be and I am relishing leading this team forward.'
Flanked by Ten Hag, chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth, this is viewed internally at United as a crucial piece of business this summer.
Fernandes was flanked by chief executive Omar Berrada (left), Ten Hag (second left) and sporting director Dan Ashworth (right) as he put pen to paper on a new deal
Fernandes has scored 73 goals and provided 65 assists in more than 220 games for the club
Across four and a half years at Old Trafford he has made more than 220 appearances, scoring 73 goals and 65 assists.
'Bruno has performed at such a high level with remarkable consistency since he arrived at Manchester United,' Ashworth said.
'He is a brilliant leader, driving the daily standards and inspiring the players and staff to perform at their highest levels every day.
'Bruno's dedication to the club epitomises what it takes to be a United player. He remains pivotal to everything that we want to achieve here, and we look forward to working together to deliver the success that this club demands.'