Bruno Fernandes says Manchester United need to be aiming higher than just a top-four place, and revealed that he sought assurances over the club’s ambitions before signing a new contract at Old Trafford.
Fernandes penned the new deal last year, committing himself to United until June 2026 with the option of a 12-month extension.
But the Portugal star, who has a record of 53 goals and 44 assists in 151 games for United, admits he wanted to know that the club would be competing at the highest level before agreeing terms.
Bruno Fernandes (pictured) says Manchester United must aim higher than just a top-four spot
The Portuguese attacking midfielder signed a contract extension (above) with the Red Devils last year after receiving assurances regarding the club’s ambitions to challenge for trophies
United were facing an uncertain future under caretaker boss Ralf Rangnick at the time after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Fernandes asked if the club were ambitious to win trophies and not just finish in the top four.
‘Obviously I came to the club and my aim was winning trophies, because I know how big this club is and I know how big we can still be,’ said Fernandes.
‘So I had a conversation last year with the club when everyone knew that Ralf was not the coach for the future to understand that the aim for the club was still the same they said to me when I signed in 2020.
‘I said I want to be a solution for the club, I want to be helpful for the club, but I also want to know where we are going. Is there a plan? Is there a future? This was before I signed my new contract.
‘Obviously money is important, no one can hide that. It’s always important to earn more in football or life, whatever job you do. You always want to have the best for yourself. But at that time I said: ‘I’m on good money, I don’t want a new contract without knowing that we have a good future in the club’.
Fernandes and Co face bitter rivals Manchester City in the derby at Old Trafford on Saturday
‘I want to know where we are going. I don’t need to know who the manager is, but I want to know just as a club, do you have a plan for the future? What are your thoughts on where we can go? Does the club want to achieve trophies or build something to go to the Champions League?
‘Because, for me, that’s not enough. The history of this club, the quality of the players we have, it demands more than just being here and fighting for fourth place. It demands at least fighting for…