Bruno Fernandes has dismissed speculation that he could leave Manchester United and said representing the club has always been his ultimate dream.
Fernandes has been linked with an exit from Manchester United this summer after a disappointing campaign for the club, who finished eighth in the table, their lowest finish of the Premier League era.
The Portugal international was a rare positive in a poor season, leading the league for chances created to win the Sir Matt Busby Award as Manchester United’s Player of the Year for a third time.
Fernandes will hope his team can salvage their season with FA Cup success against Manchester City this weekend and the club captain has reiterated his desire to bring success to Old Trafford.
“As captain, I have simply tried to be Bruno. Not another legend, or another personality, but myself. Same Bruno on and off the pitch. And for me, honesty is everything. You fans deserve honesty, with the way you have supported us,” he told the Player’s Tribune.
“Frustration. Isn’t that what we all feel? That’s really the only word for this season, I think. If you ask me, or if you ask any United fan, it would be the same.
“There were so many moments when we won a massive game, and it felt like OK, now we are going to build from this … and it just never happened. It never fully clicked for us. We were not consistent enough, and we have to be better. For each other, for the club, for our fans.
“Our traveling support has been amazing. You all saw it at Selhurst Park, when we lost 4–0, and our fans were still standing and singing the entire match. I was out with an injury, and I had to sit and watch at home, which just drives me crazy. (Apologies to my wife and children.) I could hear the fans singing, and it just made me wish that I could have been there on the pitch to stand in front of them and applaud them back. For all the s*** we have been through, with injuries and setbacks, our fans have never stopped giving everything.
“After this difficult season, it is my responsibility to give more. It starts with me. And it starts tomorrow. We have to give everything in this last match against City, and we have to move forward.
“I love to step out at Old Trafford more than anything in the world. I don’t want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream.
“I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club. If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals. That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve.”
