Manchester United has reportedly signaled to Bruno Fernandes their intention to retain him at Old Trafford this summer, according to the Daily Mail. The 31-year-old playmaker is currently tied to the club until 2027, with an additional one-year extension option available to the Red Devils.
Shift in Strategy
Last summer, the INEOS leadership indicated a willingness to part ways with the midfielder following a £100 million proposal from the Saudi Pro League. Fernandes ultimately declined the move, though he later expressed in a December interview with Portuguese media that he felt «hurt» and «sad» regarding the club's readiness to facilitate his exit at that time. The club has since pivoted, now viewing him as a central figure they are committed to keeping.
Form and Impact
The decision to secure his future comes amidst a resurgence in his performance:
- Under former manager Ruben Amorim, Fernandes was utilized in a deeper role that restricted his attacking influence.
- Interim manager Michael Carrick moved him back to his preferred position, leading to an immediate upturn in productivity.
- In his last 10 Premier League appearances, the Portuguese star has registered two goals and nine assists.
Notably, his performance against Aston Villa saw him surpass David Beckham’s record for the most assists in a single Premier League season. He is now chasing the all-time record of 20 assists held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne; Fernandes requires five more assists in the remaining eight games to set a new benchmark.
With a career tally of 105 goals and 103 assists across 319 appearances for the club, Fernandes remains a pivotal component of the squad. Consequently, securing his long-term future through a new contract has become a key objective for the organization.