Rival fans are starting to realise just how good Bruno Fernandes amid the Manchester United star’s stellar season. His future was uncertain last summer amid reported interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Fernandes stayed put and entered his sixth season with the Red Devils. While he performed well in his deeper role under former coach Ruben Amorim it wasn’t his forte.
Now, The 31-year-old has become arguably the best performer in the Premier League since Michael Carrick arrived as interim coach. Incredible form could very well lead to the PFA Player of the Year award.
Sorting out Fernandes’ future
Fernandes turned down a big-money offer from Saudi giants Al-Hilal. He revealed in June that Ruben Amorim had pushed for him to stay and wanted him to continue playing at “the highest level.”
Al-Hilal were believed to be preparing an £80-100 million offer if the United captain agreed to the move, per BBC Sport. The noise over a possible departure didn’t distract the Portuguese playmaker, and he has continued to wow fans.
Fernandes has scored six goals and recorded 12 assists in 23 league games. He is firing Carrick’s side to UEFA Champions League qualification.
The Portugal international will have a year left on his contract in the summer. This puts the club under pressure to sort out his future ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Champions League qualification crucial
Fernandes seems keen to stay with United and help them enter a new era under Carrick or a new permanent boss. He has been one of the few positives in a nightmare period for the club, arguably the greatest post-Sir Alex Ferguson signing.
According to Steve Bates for GIVEMESPORT, it is “certain” that the midfielder stays at the club if they clinch Champions League football next season. His side are fifth ahead of their visit to Everton tonight (February 23rd).
United can move three points above fourth-placed Chelsea and sixth-placed Liverpool with a win at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Reds are unbeaten since Carrick replaced Amorim last month.
Fernandes is said to have built a strong working relationship with Carrick and is now “upbeat and positive” after being less so for some time. There are reports indicating he is backing his current interim coach to be given the job long-term.
Should the Portuguese star stay with United this summer, INEOS will be able to focus solely on a Casemiro replacement. The Brazilian is leaving when his contract expires in June, and the club have a shortlist of names in mind, including Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson.
