Man Utd hope two key signings can convince Bruno Fernandes to stay | Football

Bruno Fernandes wants assurances from Manchester United over the club’s ambitions before committing his future to Old Trafford.

The United captain is a strong contender to win the PFA player of the season award after a sensational campaign in Manchester, now just two assists away from breaking the all-time Premier League record.

The 31-year-old was on the brink of leaving the club at the end of last season, however, with Saudi side Al-Hilal making an offer of £100million to prise him away from Manchester.

United were prepared to let their skipper go but after consulting his family, the Portugal international decided to stay.

Fernandes does have a release clause, thought to stand at £56m, which reportedly becomes active until the first-half of July.

The midfielder has won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his six years at United. But in his recent interview with club legend Wayne Rooney, he underlined his ambitions to challenge for and win the Premier League and Champions League – a standard United have been well short of since his arrival from Sporting CP.

The Daily Telegraph report United are desperate to keep their captain beyond this summer, making it clear to him he remains integral to their plans going forward.

But the skipper will want assurances from the club over their ambitions. While it is not clear at this stage if Fernandes is waiting to see which players are signed this summer, United hope a successful window will ease his concerns and leave the club primed to challenge for the biggest honours next season.

Rebuilding in midfield is the priority at Old Trafford this summer. With Casemiro set to depart, United are in need of at least two new players with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni their top targets.

With Manuel Ugarte also expected to move on, it would leave Kobbie Mainoo as the only established central midfielder at the club. A third midfielder is therefore a possibility with Carlos Baleba still of interest after a move for the Brighton star last summer.

Fernandes’ current deal expires at the end of next season but United do have an option to extend that by a further 12 months.

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