6 months ago
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Bruno Fernandes says he is ‘not thinking’ about his Manchester United future and would only consider the possibility of ‘not continuing in the Premier League’ once this summer’s European Championships are over.
The 29-year-old completed a high-profile £67million move from Sporting to Old Trafford in January 2020 and hit the ground running in a sensational start to life at United, finishing his first full campaign as the club’s top scorer with 28 goals in all competitions.
While Fernandes has struggled to reach those spectacular heights over the past three seasons, he is now United’s permanent captain – taking over the reins from Harry Maguire last summer – and remains a key player for Erik ten Hag both on the pitch and in the dressing room.
Fernandes’ performances have been one of the few shining lights in what has otherwise been a disappointing season this term, with the Portugal international racking up 15 goals and 11 assists in 45 games, and INEOS are unlikely to entertain offers for their skipper anytime soon.
Speaking to DAZN Portugal, Fernandes – whose deal runs through to 2026 and includes the option of a further year – said he felt all parties, himself included, were happy with his current situation at the Theatre of Dreams.
‘I’m not thinking about other things at the moment,’ the former Sporting, Sampdoria and Udinese star responded when quizzed on his future.
‘Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it? A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay.At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides.’
Fernandes is adamant he remains focussed on purely footballing matters and will not even think about the possibility of a move away from England until after Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign.
‘We could still end the season by winning the FA Cup. After that, we have a very important Euros coming up,’ he added.
‘So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment.’
In an interview with ESPN earlier this week, Juan Mata urged INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe to build the ‘culture of the club’ around his former United team-mate Fernandes.
‘I can tell you that for me, there is a great leader in there right now, which is the captain, Bruno,’ the ex-United and Spain midfielder said.
‘I should tell all young players to look up to him. I cannot tell you how important he is for the club and not only because of what he’s done in the last games, scoring two goals and winning the game [against Sheffield United in midweek], but the consistency within the years that he’s been playing for the club is just incredible.
‘He’s a top, top player, but he’s even better as a person. So, for me, the culture of the club should be built around him.
‘He’s a great example for all the new generation, the players that are playing now for the team, [Alejandro] Garnacho, [Kobbie] Mainoo, [Rasmus] Hojlund, to look up to him the way he trains, the way he behaves.
‘For me, he’s the one that is always there for the team. He can play better or worse, but he’s always there with the right attitude. And, for me, that’s what being a Manchester United player is.’
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