Portugal v Uzbekistan: Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Source: Getty
Portugal v Uzbekistan: Group K - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Source: Getty
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has made a decision about his future, amid the ongoing FIFA World Cup. He has decided to stay at Old Trafford beyond the summer transfer window, journalist Ben Jacobs reports, per Tribal Football. The Portugal international has told team-mates and those close to him that he wants to stay for at least another year, the report claims.
The 31-year-old playmaker was heavily linked with an exit last summer when a lucrative Saudi Pro League offer threw his future into doubt. There were no revealed discussions between him and the Manchester United hierarchy before the World Cup. Despite this, Fernandes reportedly feels that staying is the right thing to do, for both football and family reasons.
The decision comes after arguably the best individual season of his career, one which comprehensively rewrote the Premier League record books. Fernandes’ 21 league assists last season broke a record previously held by Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry for most goals created in a single Premier League season.
He also scored nine goals in 37 league appearances to help United get back into the Champions League under interim boss Michael Carrick. His brilliance earned him the FWA Footballer of the Year and Premier League Player of the Season award.
Manchester United to make blockbuster contract offer to reward captain
Manchester United are reportedly moving quickly to secure Fernandes with a significantly improved long-term deal after he committed to staying, per GOAL. The club are putting together a package of around £375,000-a-week, a 50% increase on his current terms, and a tribute to his massive influence on the side.
That proposed deal, which could run another four or five years, would be boosted by bonuses for Premier League titles, Champions League success, and domestic cup wins. Casemiro's exit has eased the pressure on the wage structure and given the hierarchy the room to fund such an ambitious commitment.
Carrick believes the Maia-born midfielder is the man to lead the club's return to major honors. Also, the captain looks determined to establish his legacy at Manchester rather than chase riches elsewhere.
Fernandes is currently focused on Portugal’s World Cup campaign in North America after picking up an assist in their emphatic 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Manchester United fans can relax a little more, knowing their creative playmaker looks set to be the anchor of the squad for next season, at the very least.