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Michael Carrick is confident Manchester United won’t face another summer of uncertainty over Bruno Fernandes’ future at Old Trafford after the Portugal star broke the record for assists in a single Premier League season.
Fernandes’ corner for Patrick Dorgu to open the scoring in United’s 3-0 win over Brighton was his 21st of the campaign, surpassing Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne on the final day. It underlined the United’s captain’s importance to the club after he also scored a ninth goal of the season.
Fernandes came close to leaving for Saudi Arabia a year ago after United showed a willingness to listen to an offer of around £100million from Al Hilal who were ready to pay the player around £200m over three years.
It also emerged that Fernandes’ had a £57m buyout clause for foreign clubs in his contract which runs out in 13 months’ time – although United have the option to extend it by another year.
However, Carrick believes the 31-year-old is happy at United and won’t be tempted to leave again. ‘He’s such an influence for us, you know, and he’s been the captain and led by example in different ways,’ said Carrick.
Carrick believes the 31-year-old is happy at United and won’t be tempted to leave again
‘So, yeah, I’ve got no reason to think otherwise, you know. We’ve loved what he’s done, and he loves being here. I think you can see that. He wanted to stay on (the pitch), he wants to stay on every single game because he’s enjoying his football, which is fantastic.’
Fernandes was also positive about the future after United confirmed Carrick as head coach on a full-time basis before the Brighton game.
‘Obviously it’s a very important step for our club,’ he said. ‘We need stability in terms of managing. Since Michael came to the club, you know how calm he is and the calmness he gives to the team, but also in the moments he needs to put pressure on us he does it.
‘He knows the club, what it means and what it demands to be at this club. We are very excited for what is coming. We finished strong and that’s a good sign for what is coming.’
