Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes was back to his brilliant best against Newcastle United tonight following a two-game absence through injury.
The skipper returned to the starting 11 to lead the Reds out for the final time at Old Trafford in 2023/2024 and played an influential role in the side’s 3-2 win over Eddie Howe’s Magpies.
He assisted Rasmus Hojlund for United’s third of the game, yet it was his creativity throughout the 90 minutes that earned him the Player of the Match award upon the final blow of the whistle.
Amidst Fernandes’ absence, there was an uprise in speculation over his future at the club. Numerous reports suggested that he was mulling over a new venture after four-and-a-half years in M16, with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan ready to try and prise him from United’s grasp.
The 29-year-old is contracted to the club until 2026 with the option of a further one-year extension. It remains to be seen if he’ll see the deal out, but he’s certainly made his stance on the matter clear.
Fernandes addresses speculation on his future
Post-match, he was asked by Sky Sports whether he’d be the man to lead the 20-time champions back to where they want to be.
Fernandes responded: “I will be here until I said – the club needs to want me. I feel the club wants me to be a part of the future so, as I’ve always said, I don’t want to be a player that the club doesn’t want to have. If for some reason, they don’t want to have me, I will go. But if they want me, I will stay.”
Bruno Fernandes has his say on his future at Manchester United 👀 pic.twitter.com/MfA7wczcmS
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 15, 2024
Erik ten Hag then stepped in to interrupt the interview and pull the Portugal star over with the squad as he gave a speech to the United faithful.
Footage courtesy of Sky Sports.