Fernandes had assurances of Man United’s plan ahead of a new deal

Bruno Fernandez He revealed that he had sought assurances from Manchester United chiefs of the club’s plan for the future before signing a new contract at Old Trafford.

Fernandes penned an extension in April 2022 that will keep him at United until at least 2026. But before signing, the Portuguese midfielder said he had contacted director of football John Murtaugh and technical director Darren Fletcher after becoming frustrated with the lack of progress since arriving from Sporting Lisbon. in January 2020.

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“I had a conversation last year with the club when everyone knew about it Ralph [Rangnick] He wasn’t the coach of the future and when the club decided I spoke to the club and said I want to be a solution for the club, I want to be useful to the club, but I also want to know where we are going,” Fernandez said.

“Is there a plan? Is there a future? This was before I signed my new contract because I said to the club, ‘Obviously money is important, no one can hide it, it’s always important to earn more and more in football or life, whatever job you do,'” You always want the best for yourself.

“But at the time, for me, I said I’m getting good money, and I don’t want a new contract without knowing we have a good future at the club.”

Fernandes has not won a trophy in his three years with United and while he insists he never considered leaving, the 28-year-old says he wants to know he will play in a team capable of challenging for titles.

“I came to the club with the goal of winning titles, because I know how big this club is and I know how much we can achieve good things and big things,” said Fernandez.

“We don’t have to win all the trophies but we have to fight for trophies and as a club and the quality of the players, we have the quality to do that and we’ve shown that, so I just want to know if that’s the future.

“I want to know where we’re going? I just want to know as a club, do you think we have a future? Do you have a plan for the future? What are your thoughts on where we can go? What does the club want?”

Does the club want to win trophies or does the club want to build something to go to the Champions League?

“Because it is not enough for me and the club demands more, and the history of this club and the quality of our players, requires more than just being here and fighting for fourth place.

“And the club has said that they have a plan, that’s what they want, and we agree with you that the level of the club has to be better than it was in the past.”

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Since signing his new contract, Fernandes has become an integral part of Erik ten Hag’s new squad following the appointment of the Dutchman as manager in the summer.

United are through to the Carabao Cup semi-finals and head into Saturday’s Manchester derby against City after winning eight matches.

Ten Hag’s first derby experience ended in a 6-3 defeat at the Etihad Stadium in October, but Fernandes believes he will close the gap with reigning champions Pep Guardiola.

He added, “It is likely now that you will see a team that has a way of playing that convinces the fans and convinces the players, it is the right team and the team that can win matches.”

“You go into every game and the feeling you get now is that we are not afraid to play against anyone.

“In the past you couldn’t see that. Obviously the fans believe and trust but they felt that when the toughest games were coming there was a little bit of ‘can we do it or not’ but now if you look at the fans, the players, everyone and you feel we can play Face to face with everyone in this moment.This is something we have to believe in so that we can achieve great results game after game.

“Man City are one of the best clubs in the league but it’s about believing in ourselves.”