Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has signed a new contract that will extend his stay at Old Trafford until June 2027.
Throughout his 234 appearances for the club, the Portugal midfielder has achieved a total of 79 goals and 67 assists.
Fernandes, aged 29, transferred to Manchester United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 for a fee of £47 million. His previous contract, which he signed in 2022, was scheduled to end in 2026.
“Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United. I can see how positive the future is going to be and I am relishing leading this team forward,” Fernandes said.
“I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt, and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club.”
In July 2023, Fernandes assumed the role of club captain for United, taking over from Harry Maguire.
United manager Erik ten Hag has maintained his trust in the midfielder, even in the face of strong criticism from former United captains Gary Neville and Roy Keane.
Fernandes expressed that he would not have agreed to this contract if he did not believe that his most exceptional moments while playing for United are yet to occur.
He added: “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.
“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.”
Fernandes was not included in the category of ‘untouchables’ at United, indicating that they were open to considering bids for him during the summer.
Nevertheless, it was expected that a sale would depend on an offer that the club deemed impossible to refuse, but such an offer has not materialised.
Prior to the FA Cup final in May, the player expressed uncertainty about his future, stating his desire for his personal aspirations to align with the collective goals of the club.
Manchester United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, described Fernandes as an exceptional leader who is enhancing the performance of both players and staff to their utmost potential.
“Bruno has performed at such a high level with remarkable consistency since he arrived at Manchester United,” Ashworth said.
“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.”
