Bruno Fernandes made it clear he feels his best years at Manchester United are ahead of him after signing a new contract with the Red Devils.
It was reported by L'Equipe and Fabrizio Romano earlier on August 14 that the Portugal star was finalising the terms of a new deal that puts him in the top bracket of earners at Old Trafford.
Confirmation of the new deal came from United later in the day. The contract will run until June 2027, with the option of a further year.
Fernandes had previously indicated he may be forced to consider his future after the end of the 2023/24 season, although he clarified in May that he was not trying to engineer a move away from the club.
The 29-year-old's comments following the announcement of his new deal show that he firmly believes the 20-time champions of England are moving in the right direction under the guidance of INEOS, who took over sporting control of United in early 2024.
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Fernandes comments after new deal prove Man United and INEOS are on right track
"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," said Fernandes, who is club captain.
"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."
Fernandes' remarks point to a renewed sense of purpose under INEOS' revamped sporting structure, headed by new CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Dan Ashworth.
United conducted earlier transfer business in this window than they have in previous summer periods, bringing in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro before their preseason tour. The signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have since followed as the club attempt to build a squad capable of challenging for major trophies under Erik ten Hag.
Ashworth said of Fernandes: "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."
