Michael Carrick answers question on Bruno Fernandes LEAVING Man Utd this summer

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Michael Carrick believes Bruno Fernandes will still be a Manchester United player next season despite speculation the attacking midfielder could depart Old Trafford in the summer.

Fernandes has enjoyed a stellar 2025-26 campaign, breaking the Premier League assist record in Sunday's 3-0 win at Brighton . The 31-year-old also grabbed a goal to sign off for the season in style as Carrick celebrated his first outing as United's permanent head coach with a convincing victory.

Following interest from Saudi Arabia last summer, Fernandes could be pursued by elite clubs in the upcoming transfer window given he has just 12 months remaining on his contract.

But Carrick did not speak like a manager resigned to losing his talisman when he was quizzed about Fernandes post-match.

“He’s such an influence for us and he’s been the captain and led by example in different ways,” Carrick said of the Portugal international.

When he was asked if he was optimistic Fernandes would stay, Carrick added: “I’ve got no reason to think otherwise.

“We’ve loved what he’s done and he loves being here, I think you can see that.

“He wanted to stay on (the pitch), he wants to stay on every single game because he’s enjoying his football, which is fantastic.”

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Although Fernandes' contract now has just one year left to run, Manchester United do have an option to extend it by a further 12 months. There is also a £57million release clause in Fernandes' deal which could, in theory, aid any interested suitors this summer: if a club triggers it, United would be powerless to resist losing their talismanic playmaker.

Champions League football could be a big selling point should Fernandes opt to stay at Old Trafford. And Carrick has his sights set on further progress next season after agreeing a two-year contract to continue as the club's head coach.

“I’m delighted I’m here for longer and we need to keep progressing,” he said. “There’s work to do. You’ve got to keep improving, we want to be a little bit better but it’s so, so encouraging doing it from this place.

“The boys need a lot of credit for how consistent they’ve been and the different ways we’ve won games, and how strong they are. I think that’s really important for us to appreciate.

“That’s what gives me the encouragement and excitement moving forward that we’ve got a real strong foundation now to try and build on.”