Bruno Fernandes (right) needs convincing of the club's direction. Photo: David Klein/Reuters
Bruno Fernandes has insisted he does not want to leave Manchester United but wants the club to share his ambitions after admitting his “disappointment” with another troubled season.
Telegraph Sport reported last month that United are willing to listen. offer up the bulk of their squad ahead of a difficult summer when financial options will be further tightened if they lose to Manchester City in Saturday's FA Cup final and remain out of European football next season.
Fernandes, 29, is not a player United are actively looking for, but there is interest in the club captain in Saudi Arabia and Europe and, given his age, it is believed that a large offer for his services will have to be negotiated as funds need to be raised to reinvestment.
In recent weeks, the Portuguese midfielder has said he will remain at Old Trafford as long as it is clear that the club wants him.
But Fernandes has now written in a column for The Players' Tribune that he also needs to be convinced of the club's direction. These are the guarantees he sought, too, before agreeing to sign a contract extension two years ago.
“ I love going to Old Trafford more than anything else. I do not want to leave. This has always been my biggest dream,” said Fernandez, who has a contract until June 2026 with the option of another year.
“I just want my expectations to match the club's expectations. If you talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to fight for the championship. We want to play Champions League football. We want to reach the cup final. This is the standard. This is what I want. This is what you all deserve.
“I just want to keep fighting. I want to be here. My family wants to be here.”
Fernandez (centre) with the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award. Photo: Ash Donelon/Getty Images
United will be hoping to salvage some success at Wembley against City after a torrid season in which the club finished eighth in the Premier League, their lowest league position in 34 years, plus a negative goal difference, and were knocked out of the Champions League by group stage. Fernandes did not hide his disappointment at how the campaign went.
“As captain, I was just trying to be Bruno. Not another legend or another personality, but myself,” he told The Players’ Tribune.
“Same Bruno on and off the field. And for me, honesty is everything. You fans deserve honesty for how much you support us.
“Disappointment. Isn't that what we all feel? I think that's the only word this season. If you ask me or any United fan, it's the same.
“There were so many moments when we won a big game and I felt like, 'OK, now we're getting our act together.' build from it”… and it just didn’t happen. This never suited us. We haven't been consistent enough and we need to improve. For each other, for the club, for our fans.”
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