Bruno Fernandes has signed a new contract extension at Manchester United through to 2027 with the option of an additional 12 months.
Fernandes’ previous deal, signed in April 2022, ran until 2026 with the option of a further year.
The Athletic reported in May that United had met Fernandes to discuss his future, with the club making clear they wanted him to stay and the midfielder expressing a desire to remain at Old Trafford.
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.
“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. I can see how positive the future is going to be and I am relishing leading this team forward.”
The Portugal international had previously sought clarity on United’s direction and whether their ambition matched his — to be central to a competitive and successful side under the new sporting set-up.
Members of United’s hierarchy outlined to Fernandes and his entourage that the INEOS-led regime intend to continue building around its 29-year-old captain.
Bruno Fernandes alongside Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag (centre, left), sporting director Dan Ashworth (right) and new chief executive Omar Berrada (left) (Manchester United FC)
Sporting director Dan Ashworth said: “Bruno has performed at such a high level with remarkable consistency since he arrived at Manchester United. 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.”
There had been uncertainty around his future following an interview he gave to DAZN Portugal in April, in which he said consideration would be given to departing the Premier League side after this summer’s European Championship in Germany.
Fernandes later clarified he did not want to leave United and Erik ten Hag reiterated the club’s desire to keep him.
The midfielder joined United from Sporting CP for an initial fee of £47million in January 2020.
He has made 233 appearances in all competitions during his four and a half years at the club, scoring 66 goals.
Fernandes was named United captain ahead of the 2023-24 season after Harry Maguire announced he would no longer be leading the side. He made 48 appearances in all competitions last season, providing 15 goals and 13 assists.
The playmaker featured at Wembley on Saturday as United were beaten on penalties by Manchester City in the Community Shield. Ten Hag’s side begin the 2024-25 campaign at home to Fulham on Friday.
(Top photo: Manchester United FC)
Read the full article here