Bruno Fernandes has hinted he will stay at Manchester United beyond the summer, describing it as 'special' to lead the club to Premier League glory after more than a decade without the title. The Manchester United captain rejected an approach from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal last year but made headlines in December when he suggested the club wanted him to leave.
Fernandes' Future in Focus
The 31-year-old has one year remaining on his contract, with United holding an option to extend by 12 months. A release clause of £56 million is available only to clubs abroad, sparking interest from European giants. However, Fernandes' recent comments suggest he is committed to staying at Old Trafford.
What Fernandes Said
Speaking at a Portugal national team press conference, Fernandes said: 'Playing for Manchester United is always a special moment for everyone. At the same time, it brings a lot of responsibility with it. But I don't think anyone comes to Manchester United thinking that we won't have the responsibility to win again, to be at the top of Premier League, at the top of European football.'
He added: 'Because the club's history brings that responsibility. Regardless of the most recent years they were not at the level that the club was used to. I think everyone always believes that we can be the ones who are going to do this, the ones who are going to turn the page, the ones who are going to make it possible for United to fight on all fronts. And I think that has to be special for us players, to realise that we can be the main, let's say, protagonists of this change of history for United to win again.'
CEO and Club Legend Back Fernandes
Fernandes' comments come a week after United CEO Omar Berrada expressed the club's desire to keep their captain. Berrada said: 'We'd like him to stay, of course we do. He's had a great season on the pitch but more importantly he's shown to everybody that he is a great leader. People don't see what he does outside of the pitch. He understands the values of the club really well and I think we've seen him help a lot of the younger signings.'
Club legend Michael Carrick also stressed the importance of retaining Fernandes. 'I've got no reason to think otherwise,' Carrick said. 'We've loved what he's done and he loves being here, I think you can see that. He wanted to stay on the pitch. He wants to stay on every single game because he's enjoying his football, which is fantastic.'
Contract Situation
United currently have no plans to offer Fernandes a new contract, but that could change during the course of next season. The Portuguese midfielder has enjoyed an outstanding season, winning several individual awards, and his future remains a key topic ahead of the summer transfer window.
