Manchester United met Bruno Fernandes last week to discuss his future, with the club making clear they want him to stay and the midfielder expressing a desire to remain at Old Trafford.
Fernandes and his entourage joined members of United’s football leadership team at the team’s Carrington training ground for a lengthy conversation, during which it was underlined that the INEOS-led regime intend to continue building around its 29-year-old captain.
The Portugal international was seeking clarity on United’s direction and whether their ambition matches his — to be central to a competitive and successful side under the new sporting set-up.
Fernandes will want to see evidence that this is achievable and if he is unsatisfied or a massive offer arrives that United have a financial need to accept, his exit cannot be completely ruled out.
However, the sense is all parties came away from the talks feeling his questions were satisfactorily answered and the strong expectation is that he will not be leaving.
Bruno Fernandes’ future at Old Trafford has been discussed (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
There has been uncertainty around Fernandes following a recent interview on DAZN Portugal, in which he said consideration would be given to departing the Premier League after this summer’s European Championship in Germany.
Reports have also emerged suggesting United will listen to interest for most of their players and he was not among those claimed to be untouchable.
The in-person dialogue was therefore arranged, as both Fernandes and United sought confidence that what they each wish for can be achieved.
Sir Dave Brailsford, Jason Wilcox and Matt Hargreaves attended for United, while Fernandes was accompanied by his representatives.
The club were firm in underlining Fernandes’s importance and his commitment was reiterated, subject to United’s delivering the shared vision.
Fernandes was signed from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 and his contract runs until June 2026, plus an option to extend by 12 months.
(Top photo: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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