Erik ten Hag is confident that Bruno Fernandes will remain a Manchester United player, despite the Portuguese midfielder dropping a transfer hint.

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• Portuguese star to mull over his options
• Red Devils captain has contract to 2026
• Movement expected in summer window

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils captain has told reporters in his homeland that he will weigh up his options once a bid for Euro 2024 glory alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Co comes to a close. There has been plenty of speculation to suggest that United are willing to listen to offers for just about every member of their squad.

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• WHAT TEN HAG SAID

  Ten Hag, who is facing future questions of his own, is adamant that Fernandes is not for sale and that the 29-year-old is prepared to stay put. He said when asked about the exit talk: “I know he is very happy to be here.”

  Ten Hag added on Fernandes, who is under contract until 2026 and has registered 79 goals for United through 230 appearances: “Taking responsibility is one of the biggest assets top footballers have to show and deliver. Bruno is always available, he never misses a game and always plays in a good level and always gets energy to a team. Such assets are necessary to be successful. Bruno is a real fighter. Last year for instance when we played Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final, we played with an ankle that was so thick, it was unbelievable. Bruno is a very good example for other players.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Fernandes has a useful habit of making himself available, United have endured injury struggles in 2023-24 and Ten Hag admits that whoever is charge next season will require further reinforcements in the summer transfer window. He added: “That is one of the issues in our constructing the squad. We have to improve to do things better to construct a squad with more depth. For over 10 years I am managing. I never had this experience, so huge with so many injury issues. So it can happen once in 10 years. Hopefully now can wait another 10 to have so many [again].”

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  United, who are still in the hunt for a top-six finish and European qualification this season, will be back in action on Monday when taking in a trip to Crystal Palace. They have four top-flight fixtures on their schedule before facing arch-rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25.

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Category: News