Captain Magnifico Bruno Fernandes extended his contract until June 2027 keeping him at the club he signed for in January 2020.
This comes after much speculation over his future and doubts about whether he would actually remain at United beyond this summer. There were rumors linking him with a big money move to Saudi Arabia and while it was never anything too serious, it did have us all a little tight-arsed.
Those speculations have obviously been quenched after this contract extension.
The club have confirmed that the skipper is going to be part of the near future and while his new deal expires at the end of June 2027, there is an option for a further year, so we could potentially see Fernandes for another FOUR YEARS!
The captain himself had this to say:
“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.”
Sporting Director Dan Ashworth also put in a word:
“Bruno has performed at such a high level with remarkable consistency since he arrived at Manchester United. He is a brilliant leader, driving the daily standards and inspiring the players and staff to perform at their highest levels 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.”
Some positive words by both the captain and Sporting Director.
Final Thoughts
I have not so long ago actually criticised the captain. I felt a little let down by some of his performances over a period of last season as I thought it looked like he didn't care as much. He looked a little worn out.
But maybe that was all it was: fatigue.
As Sporting Director Ashworth said, he has performed at a high level on a consistent basis. That is absolutely spot on.
Nobody else in that squad can have that put to their name quite like the captain.
Ever since he joined the club, not only has he performed at an extremely high level, he has ALWAYS been available. Until last season when he became injury prone as he missed his first-ever two club games through injury 😜, Fernandes has been an ever-present under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Ralf Rangnick and now Erik ten Hag.
His ability is unquestioned even if I did feel he had fallen off somewhat. Perhaps that time off through injury was a good thing as it gave him time to rest and recover. He looked refreshed upon his return and a fresh Bruno is a deadly Bruno.
I was wrong about criticising him. I love Bruno Fernandes and it's perhaps because of that love and knowing that he can be better that I felt a little flat about him.
No longer as I'm back on the Bruno bandwagon.
This is great news especially after yesterday's signings. What a time to be a United fan!
Background Image: Bruno Fernandes signs his new contract for Man Utd | Image via Manchester United official X (@ManUtd)