Michael Carrick appears fully convinced that Bruno Fernandes will remain at Manchester United beyond this summer. And after yesterday’s record breaking display against Brighton, it’s easy to see why.
Several Saudi Arabian clubs pushed aggressively to sign Fernandes during the previous transfer window. They offered staggering, life changing wages. They were ready to pay a huge fee.
The 31 year old turned them down. A display of utmost loyalty to United.
Yesterday, he repaid that loyalty in style.
‘He loves being here’
Carrick was quizzed in the post match press conference on whether he felt certain Fernandes would stay.
“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.”
History maker
Fernandes floated a pinpoint delivery from a corner for Dorgu to fire United ahead. That assist was officially his 21st of the season.
Twenty one.
That allowed him to become the outright holder of the record for most assists in a single Premier League campaign. Legendary creators such as Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne now sit one assist behind on 20 each.
The United captain also added his ninth league goal of the campaign to secure all three points in style.
The heartbeat of United
Fernandes is the heartbeat of this side. The Premier League title race suddenly feels wide open next season following Pep Guardiola’s confirmed departure from Manchester City.
The Portuguese magnifico now has a brilliant opportunity to remain at Old Trafford and lead United back to domestic glory if INEOS can repeat the transfer success they achieved in 2025.
The bottom line
Twenty one assists. Nine goals. A Premier League record. And a manager who has “no reason to think otherwise.”
After producing such an extraordinary 2025/2026 campaign, it feels almost impossible to imagine Fernandes seriously considering an exit this summer.
He loves being here. Carrick loves having him. And the records keep falling.
Bruno Fernandes isn’t going anywhere.
