Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has expressed confidence that record-breaking midfielder Bruno Fernandes will remain at Old Trafford next season. The 31-year-old Portugal international, who captained United to a 3-0 victory at Brighton on the final day of the Premier League campaign, broke the competition's single-season assists record with his 21st assist of the term.
Fernandes, who was named Premier League Player of the Season, set up Patrick Dorgu's opener before scoring himself in the second half. His performance came after he turned down a move to Saudi Arabia last year, following United's 15th-placed finish under Ruben Amorim. Carrick, who signed a two-year contract extension two days before the match, said: 'He's such an influence for us and he's been the captain and led by example. I've got no reason to think otherwise [about him staying]. He loves being here.'
United's victory secured third place and Champions League qualification, a remarkable turnaround under Carrick, who has won 12 of his 17 league matches in charge. 'I'm delighted I'm here for longer and we need to keep progressing,' Carrick said. 'There's work to do, but it's so encouraging doing it from this place. The boys need a lot of credit for how consistent they've been.'
Brighton, meanwhile, finished eighth and will play in the Conference League next season. Head coach Fabian Hurzeler reflected on a mixed campaign: 'On one side, it was the worst timing for that kind of performance; on the other side, when you reflect on the overall season, it's definitely an achievement.' He added that Brighton's consistency in challenging for European places is a testament to the foundation laid by predecessor Roberto De Zerbi.
