Erik ten Hag has insisted that Manchester United want to keep hold of captain Bruno Fernandes amid reported uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford.
After missing two games with a wrist injury, Fernandes returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday and made his presence felt as the Red Devils secured an important 3-2 victory at home to Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Fernandes was tasked with operating as a false nine as Ten Hag opted to hand Rasmus Hojlund a rest, but that did not stop the Portuguese playmaker from pulling the strings throughout the contest.
The 29-year-old provided an assist for Hojlund when he came off the substitutes' bench to seal maximum points for United six minutes from time, after Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo had scored earlier in the match.
Fernandes has now contributed to 10 goals across his last seven appearances (seven goals, three assists), while he has recorded a total of 15 goals and 12 assists in his 46 games across all competitions.
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Ten Hag convinced Fernandes wants to stay at Man Utd
Fernandes remains a key figure at Man United, a club that he joined four-and-a-half years ago, but speculation over his future at Old Trafford has surfaced in recent weeks.
Indeed, recent reports have suggested that Man United would be open to selling the midfielder this summer, with Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and clubs in Saudi Arabia said to be interested in his services.
However, Ten Hag has made it crystal clear that both he and the club intend to keep hold of Fernandes, who still has two years remaining on his contract.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Ten Hag said: "As far as I know, he loves Manchester United, he loves the fans of Manchester United and he loves to play for Manchester United. That is all I know.
"You see he always gives his best, he is an example, he loves football, he wants to win - that is how I describe his character. I am very pleased with his performance (against Newcastle) and performances across the season.
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"For him it is not easy when so many of his teammates are out injured, and every time he has to carry the team. He [continues to perform] at a good level, a high level, especially in the spring when he rose to a brilliant level."
Ten Hag was responding to a question in relation to Fernandes's post-match interview with Sky Sports, during which he delivered a defiant answer over his future at Old Trafford.
"I will be here till when the club wants me and the club wants me to be a part of the future," said Fernandes. "If for some reason they don't want me, then I will go."
Fernandes is expected to feature in Man United's final Premier League fixture away against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, before he and his teammates prepare for the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City on May 25.
Man United currently sit eighth in the Premier League table, level on points with Newcastle in seventh spot, and the Red Devils must better the Magpies' result on the final day if they are to secure Europa Conference League football for next season.
Oliver Thomas
