Man United make decision on Bruno Fernandes despite captain's firm transfer comments
Manchester United are keen to enter contract discussions with Bruno Fernandes ahead of the World Cup. Earlier this season, the Red Devils captain revealed he was on the brink ofa move to Saudi Arabian team Al-Hilal last summer.
Although the transfer didn't materialise, United will be preparing for further interest in the former Sporting Lisbon star. Fernandes, 31, has expressed his desire to make decisions about his future once the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico concludes.
However, it seems United are eager to understand his intentions before the tournament kicks off in the summer, despite his previous comments. ESPN reports club officials are planning a pre-World Cup meeting with Fernandes to clarify his decision.
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His current contract with the club runs until the summer of 2027 and United have the option to extend his contract for an additional year, keeping him at Old Trafford until 2028. However, it's suggested they are content to let him decide his next steps.
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Nevertheless, it's believed United would prefer him to stay at the club for at least another season. Against Manchester City, he demonstrated exactly why United do not want to let go of him.
Michael Carrick's second stint as interim manager got off to a flying start with a resounding 2-0 victory over City in the Manchester Derby.Fernandes played a pivotal role in the win over Pep Guardiola's side, setting up Bryan Mbeumo's goal.
The board are keen for Fernandes to stay at Old Trafford to aid the transition to a new manager. Carrick has made a promising start, but it's unlikely he'll be given the role permanently.
In December, Fernandes surprised club officials by telling journalists he believed United were ready to cash in on him. The midfielder suggested the club wanted to sell him, but didn't because then-manager Ruben Amorim wanted to keep him.
Speaking to Portuguese TV station Canal 11, Fernandes said: "The club wanted me to go [away]. I told the directors that, I don't think they had the courage to make that decision because the coach wanted me. But if I said I wanted to leave, even though the coach wanted me to stay, the club would let me."
He added: "I was valued, what values me most has to be my club, although I feel, lately, that I'm a little on the tightrope. In England a player reaches 30 and they think he has to remodel.
"The issue of loyalty is not as well-regarded as it used to be. I could have left in this market, I was going to earn a lot more money, a season ago I was going to leave, I was going to win many trophies this season."
Fernandes has scored nine goals and provided five assists in 19 Premier League matches this season, and also set up a goal in United's 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.