Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is confident Premier League player of the season Bruno Fernandes will still be at Old Trafford next term.
United captain Fernandes capped a stellar campaign by breaking the competition’s single-season assists record and scoring in the emphatic 3-0 win at Brighton.
Following last year’s 15th-placed finish under Ruben Amorim, the 31-year-old turned down the chance to move to Saudi Arabia before helping third-placed United secure Champions League qualification this term.
“He’s such an influence for us and he’s been the captain and led by example in different ways,” Carrick said of Fernandes.
Having initially been asked if he was optimistic about keeping the Portugal international, Carrick continued: “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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The manager and club are seemingly intent on reinforcing their midfield ranks behind Fernandes, with Casemiro set to depart and question marks around the future of Manuel Ugarte.
Fernandes thrived in a more advanced role under Carrick after playing deeper for Amorim, and Atalanta midfielder Ederson is set to sign to fill that defensive minded role.
However, the club are also seeking a marquee box-to-box player, with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson their main target despite the interest from rivals Manchester City.
The future of Marcus Rashford will determine how many new forward players are required, but one position they are sure to upgrade is at left-back, where Tyrell Malacia is set to leave.
With four competitions to play for next season Luke Shaw will need serious competition, and Flashscore insider Dean Jones reports Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall is now the priority target for that role.
Kieran Trippier’s special praise for Lewis Hall
Speaking ahead of Newcastle’s Champions League clash with Barcelona, Kieran Trippier labelled Hall one of the best left-backs in world football.
“He has got all the attributes to be one of the best left-backs in the world. I think he is [one of the best] right now.”
The Spanish press called Hall the ‘anti Lamine’ such was his effectiveness in slowing down Lamine Yamal in the first leg of their round of 16 tie, with the Barcelona superstar’s only contribution in the match a 95th minute penalty.
Hall was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this summer, but had a fabulous season on Tyneside, starting 24 Premier League matches, scoring once and providing one assist.
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