Ruben Amorim has told Bruno Fernandes he is 'not going anywhere' amid fresh speculation over the Manchester United captain's future.
The 30-year-old has arguably been one of the best signings since Sir Alex Ferguson, having scored 95 goals in 277 appearances since his move from Portuguese giants Sporting in 2020.
Fernandes was handed the captain's armband 20 months ago and, after discussing his future with the club after being offered a leave, signed a new contract last summer that runs until at least 2027.
The Portuguese has been linked with a possible £90m move to Real Madrid in recent days, but Amorim said: “No, it's not going to happen.”
The United manager admitted he had already discussed the situation with the player but understands they have work to do to live up to the captain's ambitions in his quest to win major trophies.
“That's the challenge,” Amorim said. “I want Bruno to stay here because maybe in the most difficult moments of our season (he impressed). We are aiming to win the Premier League again and so we need the best players to stay with us.
“He's 29, I think, but he's still so young because he plays 55 games every season. If you take into account the assists and goals, he's at least 30, so he's exactly the player we need and he's not going anywhere.”
Asked how he can speak about Fernandes with such confidence, Amorim replied: “We are in control of the situation and I feel he is really happy here.
“Especially because he understands what we are trying to do and I think he is another Manchester United supporter. He really feels it.
“Sometimes the disappointment you see is noticed by everyone and they say that maybe it’s not a very good quality of the captain, it’s a sign that he really wants it.
“This is exactly the player we need and he is not going anywhere because I have already told him!”
Fernandes' future certainly looks clearer than that of the likes of Marcus Rashford, who has made an encouraging start to his loan at Aston Villa that runs until the summer.
The 27-year-old scored his first goals since joining in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final win over Preston, which came immediately after his return to the England squad.
“I know Rashford very well and everyone knows what a talent he is, so I have spoken about that before,” Amorim said of Rashford, whose loan is understood to include an option to buy for around £40m.
“He's a top player if he wants to be, so I'm not surprised and the same goes for Anthony (at Real Betis). It's good to see our players succeed on loan in a different environment. It can happen. It's a good sign for the club.”
Asked whether Rashford could still have a future at United, Amorim said ahead of Tuesday's trip to Nottingham Forest: “Guys, let's focus on the game. We are very happy for our players who are out on loan and they are doing well.
“I'm planning for the future, but I don't want to talk about it right now. I just want to focus on the game.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
