Bruno Fernandes has candidly discussed what will persuade him to prolong his tenure with Manchester United, a club where he has been a pivotal presence since his transfer from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.
At 31, Fernandes continues to be a cornerstone for the Red Devils, making a significant impact this season with eight goals and 16 assists. His personal performance has been a bright spot as United strives to secure a spot in the Champions League.
The midfielder’s future is a topic of much speculation, given that his current contract is set to expire in a year. However, Manchester United does have the option to extend his stay by another 12 months.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Fernandes refrained from delving into specifics regarding his future but indicated what the club must achieve to keep him in their ranks. With only two trophies won during his time at Old Trafford, Fernandes underscored his ambitions.
“I tell the club I want to compete,” stated the United captain. “Everyone that comes to Manchester United wants to win every trophy. No one signs with the expectation of fighting for just one or two trophies over six years.”
Man United captain and talisman Bruno Fernandes has just 12 months left on his contract
Over six years at the club Fernandes has won just two trophies (pictured – lifting the FA Cup with former United boss Erik ten Hag in 2024)
‘I tell the club I want to compete,’ the United captain said. ‘Everyone that comes to Man United wants to win every trophy. No one thinks in coming to the club that we’re going to fight for one or two trophies in six years.
‘You want to fight for all of them. And what I said to the club every time that I spoke with them, what I want from the time I’m here, I want to compete. Because if I compete, I will be close to winning. If I don’t compete, there’s no chance I’m going to get close to anything.’
Fernandes insisted the fact United haven’t won the Premier League since 2013 is ‘not normal’ and said it’s ‘too long’ ago.
He also added that players join the club on the premise of its history, along with the desire – and expectation – of winning trophies.
However, he was keen to point out that there must be substance behind what the club says to him and expressed his hopes that better times are ahead.
‘What I always say to the club is: You can’t promise me that I’m going to win the Premier League. That’s impossible,’ he added.
‘But if you promise me that we’re going to be competitive and we’re going to be there at the end… that’s all I need to know. Because then it’s on me to become the best version of myself, to help everyone around to become the best version of themselves, to become the club we want to be.’
A key part of United’s future will revolve around who sits in the dugout as Michael Carrick continues to impress following the sacking of Ruben Amorim in January.
The former Red Devils midfielder has won seven of his 10 games in charge and there is increasing clamour for the former Middlesbrough manager to get the job on a more permanent basis having initially been appointed until the end of the season.
Fernandes also said United must replicate their form under Michael Carrick for a full season
Fernandes has often praised Carrick throughout his tenure, but he was tight-lipped on whether their recent form means the club is in a better place to return to the top.
He said: ‘If we finish the way we want to finish, it’s going to look very good, but it’s still not the picture we want.
‘At the end of the day, it’s [about] what are we going to do for next season, to be the team we’ve been in this spell, for a full season? Because anyone can be good in spells. Being good in the whole season is much more difficult to do. And that’s something we haven’t done, at least since I’m here.’
United currently sit third in the Premier League, seven points clear of Chelsea in sixth place, with the top five guaranteed to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
They return to action on Monday night with a crunch clash against Leeds at Old Trafford, three months on from the corresponding fixture which proved to be the final game of Ruben Amorim’s tenure.
