Bruno Fernandes, who just signed a new deal at Old Trafford, urged Manchester United’s new management to have a major impact during the summer transfer window.
With an option to remain another year, the United captain inked a long-term contract with the team last week, extending his tenure in Manchester until 2027.
After remarks made towards the close of the previous season cast doubt on whether the Portugal international would remain with the team this season, it put an end to rumors over his future with the team.
The team finished in a dismal eighth position in the Premier League, despite Erik ten Hag leading them to an FA Cup victory.
Amid reports suggesting United could even consider realistic offers for their skipper, Fernandes urged the club to demonstrate they could match his own ambitions on the pitch.
United have made four signings this summer, bringing in Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to bolster the squad with Fernandes believing the club have shown they mean business this season.
‘The club knew that I want to compete with the best teams. They knew that we needed to improve the team. And I think that we’re doing that,’ Fernandes told United’s official website.
While realistic over United’s hopes of closing the gap on Manchester City and Arsenal in the league, Fernandes now feels there is a squad there capable of competing for more major honours.
‘Obviously, I said to them: “I don’t need you to promise me that we’re going to win the league.” Because no-one can promise that.
‘But at least that we will have a team to compete and be competitive through the season, to try to achieve silverware and to compete in the highest levels.
‘I think the club is doing that. It’s trying to bring people in to get more players with quality in the team; to get more competitive, [so everyone is] fighting for your place.
‘But my first choice was always to stay at the club. It was not even demands, but the things that I wanted to see: the club going forward, [so] I could see a future on that.
‘To be honest, I look now and I see that the club is making an effort for that.’