- Update on Manchester United captain’s future
- Fernandes wants to stay at Old Trafford
- Squad overhaul kicks off new era for club
Keywords such as ‘transition’ and ‘new era’ have been overused at Manchester United for the past thirteen years. As a result of different managers, systems and player profiles coming into the club, the traditional ‘Manchester United way’ identity has been lost on a lot of fans and pundits alike.
More than anything or anyone, Bruno Fernandes has become the heartbeat of the club even during its darkest days. The rumours around his future have never felt so uncertain. The midfielder’s contract at Old Trafford comes to an end in 2027. Additionally, there is a £57m release clause available for overseas clubs, which United are powerless over.
Bruno Fernandes Wants to Stay
However, according to Steven Railston of Manchester Evening News (MEN), any rumours of a Fernandes departure are currently wide of the mark.
He said: “There is no desire for Bruno Fernandes to leave ahead of a summer transfer window in which investment will be made to strengthen the midfield, so it would be a big surprise for him to leave.
“United are set to return to the Champions League and could mount a Premier League title challenge with a few more great signings, so he should be inclined to stay put in Manchester, a city he loves. How settled a player is at a club is often overlooked, but it’s hugely important. Fernandes’ wife loves Manchester and told him that their future was at United when it was up for debate last year.”
The 31-year-old rejected a move to the Saudi Pro League last summer. Surprisingly, United were satisfied with letting their captain move on. Fernandes opted not to, after being convinced by his wife and Ruben Amorim to stay in Manchester.
Rangnick’s ‘Open Heart Surgery’ Comments Kick Off New Era
Sticking to the theme of keywords, in 2022, Ralf Rangnick said that the Old Trafford club needed “open heart surgery”. Whilst the changes won’t be as drastic as that this summer, major departures and arrivals should signal a real push for becoming title contenders in the coming years. Casemiro is leaving, and other departures such as Marcus Rashford, Manuel Ugarte and Jadon Sancho are expected to reduce the wage bill.
Looking ahead, something else that Rangnick said remains important. He claimed: “I believe it doesn’t take two or three years to change those things. This can happen within one year.”
That is exactly what the club hierarchy will be hoping for. They have seen evidence of how quick turnarounds can happen in football. At the turn of the year under Amorim, the forecast was bleak. Carrick’s arrival turned the club into one of the most in-form sides in England in a matter of weeks.
As United prepares to spend big to strengthen the spine of the team, Fernandes remains the nucleus of the team. Even this season, he has been a leading figure in statistics. He has registered 16 league assists, having already surpassed the club record of 15 set by David Beckham in 1999/2000. His next aim is to beat the all-time Premier League record of 20 assists, set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
The captain’s loyalty is the loudest statement of intent the club could make ahead of the new era.
