Bruno Fernandes has spoken out on his future at Manchester United, with the Portuguese midfielder one of many players that could face some uncertainty depending on the ideas of the club’s new ownership.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe secured a 25% stake in Manchester United earlier this year and as part of the deal, the multi-billionaire will assume responsibility for the club’s football operations.
There have been suggestions that Erik ten Hag could be replaced at the end of the season but thus far, Ratcliffe has been reluctant to criticise the manager and instead focused on the environment around him.
Fernandes was promoted to captain going into this season, having been the vice-captain in Ten Hag’s maiden campaign. Speaking after the dramatic 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup, Fernandes commented on his future and admitted that he has held a meeting with the club’s new owners.
“I’ve always told the club that I don’t want to be promised that we’re going to be champions, because whatever club I go to, I don’t expect to be promised something that they can’t fulfil from the start,” Fernandes told A Bola, via Sport Witness.
“What I’ve always asked for and what I want from the club is for us to be competitive. This year we haven’t been and we don’t have to hide it. The season has been below our expectations, below my expectations, at least. And I think the club’s too, because they’re not used to being in these positions. I want to be competitive, I want to compete, I want to win.
“I’ve already had a meeting with the new owners. They want to meet with the players and have already done so individually, and that’s exactly the message I passed on.
“I want to stay here, I want to be part of a project that has feet, legs, torso and head, everything we need to be able to compete with Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool, who are the clubs that have been in the best shape.”
Fernandes is one of the first names on the teamsheet under Ten Hag and that cannot be forgotten. Even when it looks like he isn’t influencing games, he’s the engine behind most of the good that comes from this side.
At the weekend, when United were chasing an equaliser against Liverpool in the 110th minute, Fernandes played in a back-two alongside Harry Maguire.
Even if Ten Hag is replaced at the end of the season, it’s difficult to envisage a scenario where the new manager wouldn’t immediately earmark Fernandes as a player to build around or, at least, with.
