Bruno Fernandes wanted Manchester United to "improve the team" before signing a new contract at Old Trafford.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Fernandes to stay at OT until 2027 Wanted more firepower to compete with the bestImpressed with the work put in by INEOSWHAT HAPPENED?
Fernandes committed his future to United by signing a new contract that will ensure his stay at Old Trafford until 2027, with an option for an additional year. The Portuguese midfielder, who joined the Red Devils from Sporting CP in 2020, has been instrumental in the team's successes and remains a pivotal figure in Erik ten Hag's squad. However, before agreeing to his contract extension, Fernandes expressed his desire for United to bolster their squad which will be capable of competing with the best in both domestic and international competitions.
AdvertisementWHAT FERNANDES SAID
Speaking in an interview with the official club media, Fernandes said: "The club knew that I want to compete with the best teams," Fernandes explained. "They knew that we needed to improve the team. And I think that we’re doing that."
Fernandes was realistic in his expectations, acknowledging that no club can guarantee success, particularly in a league as competitive as the Premier League. "I said to them: ‘I don’t need you to promise me that we’re going to win the league,’" Fernandes revealed. "Because no one can promise that. But at least that we will have a team to compete and be competitive throughout the season, to try to achieve silverware and to compete at the highest levels. I think the club is doing that. It's trying to bring people in to get more players with quality in the team; to get more competitive, [so everyone is] fighting for your place."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite the interest from top European clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and several teams from the Saudi Pro League, Fernandes' primary focus was always to continue his journey with United.
"But my first choice was always to stay at the club," he asserted. "It was not even demands, but the things that I wanted to see: the club going forward, [so] I could see a future on that. To be honest, I look now and I see that the club is making an effort for that."
DID YOU KNOW?
Since his arrival at Old Trafford, Fernandes has developed a deep connection with Manchester United, the city, and its passionate fanbase. Playing for United was a dream come true for Fernandes, who had long aspired to compete in the Premier League.
"When I joined, it was a dream come true," he shared. "I think everyone knows that it was my dream to play in the Premier League for United. I had the chance to put that together. I wanted to play in the Premier League, and my favourite club was United. Being lucky enough to do both, it’s something unbelievable."
Fernandes’ love for United has only grown stronger over time, fuelled by his experiences on and off the pitch. "Obviously, my love for the club hasn’t changed. It has grown," Fernandes continued. "Because you get to know the city, you get to know the fans, and you get to know how the people live here. How the way they approach the day-by-day; the way they approach the game-day. It’s different from every country."