Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has signed a new contract that will extend his stay at Old Trafford until June 2027, with the option for a further year.
In his 234 club appearances, the Portugal midfielder has 79 goals and 67 assists to his name.
Fernandes, 29, signed a contract in 2022 that was scheduled to expire in 2026. He moved from Sporting Lisbon to United in January 2020 for a sum of £47 million.
“Everyone is aware of my ardor for Manchester United. “I am excited to lead this team forward and I can see how positive the future will be,” Fernandes remarked.”I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt, and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club.”
In July 2023, Fernandes took Harry Maguire’s place as United’s club captain.
Even though the midfielder has occasionally faced harsh criticism from former United captains Gary Neville and Roy Keane, Erik ten Hag, the manager of United, has continued to have faith in him.
If Fernandes didn’t believe that his “best moments in a United shirt are still to come,” he “wouldn’t have signed this contract.”He added: “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.
“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.”
Fernandes was not placed among the ‘untouchables’ United were unwilling to listen to offers for this summer.
However, a sale was always likely to be based on a bid the club found impossible to turn down, which has not materialised.
The player himself had cast doubt on his future before May’s FA Cup final, when he said he wanted his own expectations to fit those of the club as a whole.Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth called Fernandes a “brilliant leader” who is helping players and staff “perform at their highest levels”.
“Bruno has performed at such a high level with remarkable consistency since he arrived at Manchester United,” Ashworth said.
“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.”