Bruno Fernandes is set to stay at Manchester United, eSPORTY understands.
Although Fernandes didn’t hold any formal talks with the club over his future before the World Cup, he has already told teammates and those close to his circle that he intends to remain.
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The 31-year-old has one year left on his existing contract, but there is also a one-year extension option.
Fernandes’ contract also contains a €65million (£56m) release clause, valid for non-English clubs.
Fernandes to stay at Man United
Saudi sides Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ittihad all made approaches last summer.
Fernandes was tempted by a move to Al-Hilal in particular ahead of the Club World Cup, but decided in the end that the best football and family decision was to remain at Old Trafford.
Saudi dealmakers had hoped Fernandes might be open to leaving Manchester United after the World Cup, but eSPORTY understands the Portugal international plans to stay for at least one more year.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are still keen, and Portugal manager Roberto Martinez is even in talks to take over the Riyadh-based side after the World Cup.
Yet eSPORTY understands Fernandes is expected to remain at Old Trafford.
Doubt over Fernandes’ future was fueled when the Manchester United midfielder revealed last year he felt the club wanted to sell him.
Fernandes told Canal 11: “The club wanted me to leave. I told the directors that, I think they didn’t have the courage to make that decision because the manager wanted me.
“But if I said I wanted to leave, even with the manager wanting me to stay, the club would let me.”
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Fernandes a key part of long-term plans
Sources confirmed to eSPORTY that former Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim did indeed play a key role in Fernandes staying.
Michael Carrick also wants his captain to remain, and United sources insist Fernandes is a key part of their long-term plans.
Fernandes joined Manchester United in 2019 from Sporting and has gone on to make 327 appearances, scoring 107 goals.
Last season, Fernandes got a Premier League high 21 assists for a single season, breaking the record set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne.
He registered his first goal contribution at the World Cup on Tuesday, teeing up Cristiano Ronaldo’s second in the 5-0 win over Uzbekistan.
