Manchester United are hoping that two key signings this summer can persuade Bruno Fernandes to remain at Old Trafford, with the club captain seeking assurances about the team's ambitions before committing his future.
Fernandes, 31, is a strong contender for the PFA Player of the Season award after a sensational campaign that has seen him come within two assists of breaking the all-time Premier League record. However, the Portugal international was on the verge of leaving last summer after Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal made a £100 million offer for his services. United were prepared to let their skipper go, but after consulting his family, he decided to stay.
Fernandes has a release clause believed to be set at £56 million, which reportedly becomes active until the first half of July. In six years at United, he has won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, but in a recent interview with club legend Wayne Rooney, he made clear his ambition to challenge for and win the Premier League and Champions League—standards United have fallen well short of since his arrival from Sporting CP.
The Daily Telegraph reports that United are desperate to keep their captain beyond this summer and have made it clear to him that he remains integral to their plans. However, Fernandes wants to see evidence of the club's ambition, particularly in the transfer market.
Rebuilding in midfield is the priority at Old Trafford this summer. With Casemiro set to depart, United need at least two new players, with Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni their top targets. Manuel Ugarte is also expected to move on, leaving Kobbie Mainoo as the only established central midfielder at the club. A third midfielder is a possibility, with Brighton's Carlos Baleba still of interest after a move last summer fell through.
Fernandes' current deal expires at the end of next season, but United have an option to extend it by a further 12 months. The club hopes that a successful summer window will ease his concerns and leave them primed to challenge for the biggest honours next season.
