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Manchester United’s chief executive Omar Berrada has not completely ruled out the possibility of captain Bruno Fernandes leaving the club this summer. Although the Red Devils remain adamant about keeping their influential midfielder, the Portuguese star’s recent comments about his long-term plans have reignited rumours regarding his future at Old Trafford.

Club chief comments on Fernandes’ situation

Berrada refrained from making any guarantees about Fernandes staying beyond the current transfer window. Despite the club’s expressed intention to retain their captain, uncertainty continues to surround his long-term commitment to the team.

The 31-year-old midfielder has enjoyed an exceptional individual season, setting a new record with 21 assists in the Premier League. His performances earned him both the Premier League Player of the Season award and the Football Writers’ Footballer of the Year honour.

Berrada praises Fernandes’ leadership

The Manchester United management has repeatedly emphasised their wish to keep the experienced midfielder, recognising his influence both on and off the field. Speaking on the Inside Carrington podcast, Berrada stated, “We’d like him to stay, of course we do. He’s had a great season on the pitch but more importantly he’s shown to everybody that he is a great leader. People don’t see what he does outside of the pitch. He understands the values of the club really well and I think we’ve seen him help a lot of the younger signings.”

Fernandes opens up about past frustrations

Fernandes, whose current contract runs until 2027 with an additional one-year option, previously admitted that he had felt undervalued by the club during periods of poor team performance. He revealed, “At one point I was going to leave but I would have won many trophies that season. But from the club’s side, I felt a bit of: ‘If you go, it’s not really that bad for us.’ More than hurting, it makes me sad, because I’m a player they have nothing to criticise me for.”

However, in a later interview with ESPN, Fernandes appeared to reaffirm his commitment, saying, “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.”

Berrada on rebuilding trust within the club

Berrada also acknowledged that Manchester United had to work hard to rebuild internal trust following a series of structural changes. He explained, “It is true that the cost was very high for many people and it’s taken a while for the club to build back that trust between staff, management, owners. I think we’re in a much better place now and as we have seen in the latest financial results, those tough decisions have borne their fruit in the sense that it’s allowed the club to be where it needs to be moving forwards.”

Recruitment plans for the upcoming season

Newly appointed permanent manager Michael Carrick faces the challenge of keeping the team focused amid speculation surrounding Fernandes as he prepares for Manchester United’s return to the Champions League league phase.

Discussing the club’s transfer approach, Berrada noted, “I think the template of what we did last summer will be replicated. We have a clear plan. I do think what we saw last season is a good way forward for us, which is we want a mix of experience and youth, we want a mix of players who have demonstrated they can perform in the Premier League and perhaps also players who are doing very well outside the Premier League.”