At Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes has agreed to a new contract agreement that would keep him there until 2027 with a potential one-year extension.
Fernandes’ previous deal, signed in April 2022, ran until 2026 with the option of a further year.
The Athletic reported in May that United had met Fernandes to discuss his future, with the club making clear they wanted him to stay and the midfielder expressing a desire to remain at Old Trafford.
Fernandes said: “Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United. I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt, and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club.
“I have had so many special moments here already; hearing my name sung from the Stretford End, scoring a hat-trick against Leeds, leading the team out at Old Trafford on European nights and lifting trophies at Wembley. But I wouldn’t have signed this contract if I didn’t believe that my best moments in a United shirt are still to come.
“From my discussions with the football leadership and manager, it is clear how determined everyone is to fight for major trophies in the years ahead. I can see how positive the future is going to be and I am relishing leading this team forward.”
The Portugal international had earlier asked for clarification on United’s strategy and if their goal of being at the center of a successful and competitive team under the new sports structure aligned with his own.
Executives from United explained to Fernandes and his group how the INEOS-led organization plans to keep developing around its captain, who is 29 years old.
Bruno Fernandes alongside Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag (centre, left), sporting director Dan Ashworth (right) and new chief executive Omar Berrada (left) (Manchester United FC)
Dan Ashworth, the sporting director, stated: “Since joining Manchester United, Bruno has consistently excelled at such a high level.” He is an excellent leader who sets the daily expectations and motivates the team members and athletes to give their all each and every day.
“Bruno’s dedication to the club epitomises what it takes to be a United player. He remains pivotal to everything that we want to achieve here, and we look forward to working together to deliver the success that this club demands.”
After he stated in an interview with DAZN Portugal in April that he would give leaving the Premier League team after this summer’s European Championship in Germany some thought, there has been some doubt about his future.
After making it clear that he did not want to leave United, Fernandes did, and Erik ten Hag reaffirmed the team’s intention to keep him.
In January 2020, the midfield player made the move from Sporting CP to United for a reported £47 million.
In his four and a half years at the club, he has made 233 appearances in all competitions, tallying 66 goals.
Prior to the 2023–24 campaign, Fernandes was chosen United’s captain following Harry Maguire’s announcement that he would no longer be captaining the team. Last season, he made 48 appearances across all competitions, with 13 assists and 15 goals.
The playmaker was on display at Wembley on Saturday as Manchester City defeated United in the Community Shield on penalties. Ten Hag’s team takes on Fulham at home on Friday to start the 2024–25 season.
(Top photo: Manchester United FC)
