Bruno Fernandes reveals intention to stay at Man United

Posted Saturday, May 25, 2024 by ESPN

Bruno Fernandes has said that he does not want to leave Manchester United, adding that he want his "expectations to fit with the expectations of the club" after a frustrating season.

The 19-time champions endured the worst Premier League campaign in the club's history this season, finishing eighth in the table.

Their 14 league defeats in a single season are their highest since they suffered 16 during the 1989-90 campaign under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Writing in a column for The Players' Tribune on Friday, Fernandes said that playing for United has been his "ultimate dream," but that he want assurances from the club that they can match his ambitions as a player.

"I love to step out at Old Trafford more than anything in the world," the United captain said. "I don't want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream.

"I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club. If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals. That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve.

"I just want to keep fighting. I want to be here. My family wants to be here."

Bruno Fernandes has been a rare example of consistency for Manchester United during his four years at the club.

Fernandes has previously said that he will consider his future at United, but not until after this summer's European Championship with Portugal.

The midfielder has been linked with a transfer away from Old Trafford after a season in which Fernandes has scored 15 goals and contributed eight assists in all competitions.

Al Nassr are one of the Saudi Pro League clubs interested in signing the 29-year-old, a source has told ESPN.

Fernandes' on-pitch behaviour and suitability for the United captaincy has been criticised since he took over the role from defender Harry Maguire in July 2023.

However, Juan Mata told ESPN in April that Fernandes is a "great leader" and that the "culture of the club should be built around him." Fernandes said on Friday that he has tried to be true to himself at all times.

"As captain, I have simply tried to be Bruno," the Portugal international said. "Not another legend, or another personality, but myself. Same Bruno on and off the pitch. And for me, honesty is everything. You fans deserve honesty, with the way you have supported us.

"Frustration. Isn't that what we all feel? That's really the only word for this season, I think. If you ask me, or if you ask any United fan, it would be the same.

"There were so many moments when we won a massive game, and it felt like OK, now we are going to build from this... And it just never happened. It never fully clicked for us. We were not consistent enough, and we have to be better. For each other, for the club, for our fans."

United face rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday that could have potential ramifications for Erik ten Hag's position as United head coach.

City boss Pep Guardiola said on Friday that the Dutchman could be "in trouble" if his team lose to City in the FA Cup final for a second successive season.

Fernandes, though, is focused on the possibility of becoming the first Manchester United captain to lift the FA Cup since Wayne Rooney in 2016.

"After this difficult season, it is my responsibility to give more. It starts with me. And it starts tomorrow," Fernandes said. "We have to give everything in this last match against City, and we have to move forward."