MICHAEL CARRICK has heavily hinted that Bruno Fernandes will stay at Manchester United next season.
Fernandes was named United’s first Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year since Wayne Rooney in 2010 on Friday night.
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Fernandes remains United’s most important player Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Fernandes won the FWA award on Friday night Credit: Getty
The United captain is also favourite to receive the Professional Footballers’ Association accolade for what has arguably been his best season for the club.
Jattvibe Sport revealed last month that United had taken measures to keep Fernandes beyond this season after he considered leaving last year.
United were prepared to accept an offer of around £80million from Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr but head coach Ruben Amorim convinced Fernandes to stay.
Fernandes said in October he could have a decision to make on his future after the World Cup.
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But Carrick is confident there will be no uncertainty surrounding the “happy” Portugal international this summer.
“You can see Bruno is happy and he’s playing some fantastic football,” Carrick said. “Maybe it’s as good as he’s played over and he’s had really good spells here.
“So he looks happy. I think he’s got a big end to the season here.
“He’s got a big summer of course. But as a football club, we love having him here. He’s a big part of what we do.”
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Fernandes has arguably had his best season at United Credit: Getty
Fernandes is under contract at United until 2027 but the club has the option of an additional year.
The 31-year-old has three games to equal or beat Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne’s Premier League assist record for a season.
Fernandes is currently on 19 assists and United play at Jattvibederland on Saturday before the visit of Nottingham Forest next week. They end their campaign at Brighton.
Carrick revealed United are conducting thorough “background planning” on recruitment as they near the end of the season.
United finalised a deal for Matheus Cunha shortly after returning from their post-season tour of Malaysia and Hong Kong last year.
Cunha had a £62.5m release clause and United were also prepared to trigger Liam Delap’s £30m release clause at Ipswich Town but he opted to join Chelsea.
With United not due to confirm their head coach beyond this season until after the final game at Brighton on May 24, that could potentially delay some incomings.
“Obviously for me sitting here in terms of what I said before, in terms of what the summer looks like and moving forward, I think that’s one decision at a time,” Carrick added.
Cunha joined United in early June Credit: Getty
Carrick has two more pre-match press conferences to attend Credit: Getty
“There is background planning for what the squad needs to look like and evolve and that’s other conversations that are going on.
“And how quickly that happens, I haven’t got an answer for you right now.
“There are always discussions going on, some informal, some smaller than others but there are always discussions. There’s a lot to talk about.
“Recruitment is the obvious one and when it gets to this time of year that’s what everyone wants to know about and understandably so.
“There’s a lot of work going on and it’s not just for me leading like that, there’s a lot going on, making plans for what the summer and beyond looks like.”
Wilcox oversaw an impressive 2025 summer window Credit: Getty
United’s return to the Champions League after a two-year absence will be a mild culture shock as they are yet to play in the competition’s league format.
With United due to be placed in pot two or pot three, they are guaranteed a couple of games against big-hitters on the continent.
Carrick was reluctant to say whether United’s participation in the Champions League would have a significant bearing on their summer targets.
“I think it all goes into the part of the decisions,” he explained.
“There are so many things that need to be spoken about and when you’re even bringing in one player to the group.
“There are a lot of questions to answer and make judgements on that.
“So I just want the part of experience, whether it’s experience in the Premier League, whether it’s experience in playing in the Champions League. Not necessarily the yes or no answer.
“There’s a lot that goes underneath that.”
