‘Very important player’ – Ten Hag responds to Fernandes transfer speculation

Erik ten Hag has expressed a desire to keep Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.

The manager was speaking to journalists ahead of United’s final home game of the season against Newcastle.

Most of the questions focused on other matters since United’s league game has dwindled away to nothing. Our best – and perhaps only chance – of playing European football next season is by beating Man City in the FA Cup final.

That will be a difficult task but Ten Hag will hopefully have some key players back for the trip to Wembley. For instance, Lisandro Martinez will return to the squad on Wednesday night to face the Magpies.

Ten Hag stresses Fernandes’ importance to United

Fernandes has been United’s most important player since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020. The Portugal international was named club captain last summer.

The Sun claims Fernandes will consider a move away this summer, while The Independent claims Bayern Munich are interested in signing him.

Speaking to reporters, as per the Manchester Evening News, Ten Hag underlined his desire to keep Fernandes.

Ten Hag said: “It’s the same question as last week. So I answered. The same answer. Now in all the years he was, he was a tremendously important player for Manchester United and creating the most chances across the Premier League. So many assists, so many goals. It’s clear he’s a very important player for us.”

United have missed Fernandes due to injury in their defeats to Crystal Palace and Arsenal last week.

People may remember how Ten Hag responded to claims about David de Gea leaving United last summer, prior to the Spaniard’s departure. The Dutchman never suggested once that De Gea’s days were numbered before he left as a free agent.

Sometimes it is best to take what Ten Hag tells the media with a pinch of salt.

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