Manchester United have no intention of parting with captain Bruno Fernandes during the current transfer window, despite speculation linking the midfielder with a move away from Old Trafford.
The Portugal international is regarded as a key part of the club’s plans by head coach Michael Carrick, according to Transfer News Live, which cites TEAMtalk. Fernandes is also understood to be happy to remain with Manchester United.
Reports of possible interest in the 31-year-old have raised questions about his future, but the club’s position is that he is not available for transfer at this stage. Fernandes continues to be viewed as an important player for the team and a central figure in Carrick’s project.
His current contract with Manchester United is due to expire next summer. However, the agreement contains an option for it to be automatically extended by a further year, meaning the club has protection beyond the existing end date.
That clause gives Manchester United additional security over Fernandes’ future as the club considers its plans for the coming seasons. It also means that, despite the current speculation, his contract situation does not necessarily point to an imminent departure.
Fernandes has been one of Manchester United’s leading contributors in front of goal. During the most recent season, he scored nine goals and provided 22 assists in 37 appearances for the club.
Those figures underline his importance to the side and help explain why Manchester United are reluctant to consider his sale in the current window. His influence has extended beyond his role as captain, with his goals and assists making him a significant source of attacking production.
The club’s stance, as reported by Transfer News Live and TEAMtalk, is therefore that Fernandes will stay. Carrick considers the Portuguese midfielder a key player for the project, while Fernandes himself is pleased to continue at Manchester United.
For now, the combination of the club’s desire to retain him, the manager’s view of his importance and the option in his contract points towards Fernandes remaining at Old Trafford rather than leaving during this transfer window.