Bruno Fernandes has admitted that his time at Manchester United has not lived up to expectations in terms of silverware, expressing his desire to have won more since joining the club in January 2020.
The Red Devils captain has been a standout performer since arriving from Sporting, but trophies have been scarce. Under Erik ten Hag, United won the 2023 League Cup and the 2024 FA Cup, but those are the only major honors secured during Fernandes' tenure. The club also finished as runners-up in the Europa League twice and the FA Cup in 2023.
Fernandes Reflects on Trophy Drought
Speaking to ESPN, the Portugal international said: 'Obviously, I wanted to have won more, it wasn't quite what I had expected for myself and for the club. But I had very good times. We managed to reach some finals, some of them we won, others we didn't. But my goal has always been to win the biggest competitions and the Premier League is part of it. And I still have that dream in me and I hope to achieve it.'
Carrick's Impact
The 31-year-old midfielder now believes Michael Carrick, who took over as manager in January, can restore United's status as regular contenders. Fernandes praised Carrick for allowing players to 'be protagonists again' after Ruben Amorim's reign.
'I think he brought a very positive energy to the team... he brought new ideas and a different way of playing, which was also important for some players to find an escape to be protagonists again,' Fernandes said. 'And it's been good, obviously, because the results demonstrate that too.'
Carrick has also dismissed speculation about Fernandes leaving, stating: 'He's such an influence for us. He's been the captain and led by example... I've got no reason to think otherwise.' Fernandes has one year left on his contract, with an option for an additional 12 months.
