Bruno Fernandes has recorded eight goals and 19 assists in the Premier League this season
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Michael Carrick has voiced his support for Bruno Fernandes to stay at Manchester United, emphasising the midfielder’s joy and outstanding form this season.
On Friday, the 31-year-old playmaker was named the Football Writers’ Association men’s footballer of the year for the 2025-26 season, edging out Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
Fernandes’ contract includes a release clause for foreign clubs, set at around €65 million (£56.1m), which can be activated early in the summer transfer window. Last year, he attracted significant interest from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal. Despite his importance to the team, his future at the club could again become a topic of discussion, with his current deal running until 2027, though United hold an option for an additional year.
The Portugal international is among United’s highest earners and will turn 32 in September. However, his contributions this campaign—eight goals and 19 assists in the Premier League—make replacing him a formidable challenge for the club.
“I think Bruno, you can see he’s happy and he’s playing some fantastic football,” Carrick said. “Maybe he’s as good as he’s played ever, and he’s had really good spells here. So he looks happy.
“I think he’s got a big end to the season here. He’s got a big summer of course. But yeah, as a football club, we love having him here. He’s a big part of what we do.”
Carrick also expressed confidence in Amad, who has struggled for form recently and gave away the ball for Liverpool’s opening goal after coming on as a half-time substitute. The Ivory Coast international had been taken off at halftime against Brentford.
After United’s win over Liverpool secured Champions League qualification, Carrick embraced Amad. However, the winger has not scored in 14 United appearances since his goal against Bournemouth under Ruben Amorim in December. United face Sunderland—where Amad enjoyed a successful loan spell—at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
“Amad’s fine, absolutely fine,” Carrick said. “He’s no problem. He was smiling at full-time. Mistakes are part of football. I’ve made plenty as a player. I understand. Sometimes you make them and it leads to a goal. Sometimes you make them and you get away with it and no one really talks about it.
“He’s done so many good things since I came back and the impact that he’s had on the team, his performance is what he gives the team. With the ball, without the ball, his energy, his attitude towards it and he’s been great over the last few days and he was great after the game and so he should be.
“He’s got nothing to feel down about or upset about or frustrated about because he’s got so much to look forward to and he’s so talented and so exciting and an absolute joy to work with. So he’s in a good place.”
