Michael Carrick discusses Bruno Fernandes' Manchester United future following win over Brighton & Hove Albion - 'He loves being here'

Manchester United rounded off the Premier League season with a routine 3-0 victory away to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon and captain Bruno Fernandes again played a vital role.

Patrick Dorgu put United in front in the 33rd minute, connecting with Bruno's corner to power a header past Bart Verbruggen.

In the process, Fernandes wrote his name into the history books, having broken the record for the most assists in a single Premier League season.

Bryan Mbeumo doubled Manchester United's advantage shortly before half-time before Bruno, who was named Premier League Player of the Season on Friday, followed up his 21st assist with his ninth league goal of the season.

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The 31-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford last summer, amid reports of a lucrative Saudi Pro League offer on the table.

Fernandes opted to remain in Manchester and played a starring role as Michael Carrick's side secured a UEFA Champions League finish.

The United captain's current contract expires next summer, though the Premier League side have the option to extend his deal by a further year.

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Bruno has been tipped to secure a move away from the Premier League powerhouses as he approaches the twilight years of his career.

However, Carrick, who signed a contract that will run until 2028 on Friday, has hinted that the assist-machine will continue at the club.

When asked about whether he is confident Bruno will remain at United over the summer following Sunday's triumph, Carrick replied: "He's such an influence for us, you know. He's been the captain and led by example in different ways. So, yeah, I've got no reason to think otherwise.

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"We've loved what he's done and he loves being here."

Bruno, who will now eye helping Portugal to glory at the FIFA World Cup, played the full 90 minutes on the south coast and Carrick added: "He wanted to stay on, he wants to stay every single game because he's enjoying his football, which is fantastic."

'Bruno is happy'

Carrick's post-match comments echo what the former Middlesbrough boss had previously said about the player.

"You can see Bruno is happy, and he’s playing some fantastic football," he stated earlier this month.

"Maybe it's as good as he's played over here and he's had really good spells here. So he looks happy. I think he's got a big end to the season here.

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"He's got a big summer, of course. But as a football club, we love having him here. He’s a big part of what we do."

Fernandes has been a first-team regular for Manchester United since arriving from Portuguese side Sporting CP in 2020.

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