Michael Carrick has expressed confidence that Bruno Fernandes will remain at Manchester United this summer, following the captain's record-breaking performance in the Premier League. Fernandes provided his 21st assist of the season from a corner for Patrick Dorgu's goal against Brighton, before scoring himself to take his tally to nine goals for the campaign.
The 31-year-old Portugal international has a £56 million release clause available to foreign clubs, which could attract interest from major European sides. However, Carrick, who praised Fernandes' influence both on and off the pitch, believes the player is happy at Old Trafford and ready to stay for another season.
'He's such an influence for us, and he's been the captain and led by example in different ways, so I've got no reason to think otherwise,' Carrick said. 'We've loved what he's done and he loves being here. I think you can see that. He wanted to stay on [against Brighton], he wants to stay every single game because he's enjoying his football, which is fantastic.'
Fernandes came close to leaving United for Saudi Arabia a year ago but has since produced his best season, winning the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award and the Premier League Player of the Season honour. After the match at the Amex Stadium, he gathered the United travelling party to acknowledge the away fans, with teammates pushing him to the front to take the acclaim.
