Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has dropped a hint over where he could end his playing career.
Fernandes’ current United deal runs until 2027, with the Red Devils retaining an option to extend that by a further year, if they want to keep their captain into an eighth full season at Old Trafford.
The Portugal international developed into a key player under multiple managers in Manchester, and was named club captain by former boss Erik ten Hag, ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
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However, his future after United is unclear, and will be 33 at the end of the 2027/28 season, if that extension is activated.
The former Sporting CP playmaker told an interview with Australian outlet Optus Sport that conversations with former United teammate Juan Mata are tempting him towards a move to the A League.
“After the videos he [Mata] sends me about the lifestyle, playing golf, the beach, the stadium, all the fans, the conditions he has at the club and everything else, I could think about it,” he said.
“Obviously, at Christmas, I’m here with a lot of wind and cold, and he’s sending me videos of the sun and living in front of the beach – it was beautiful.
“If he’s still living there. it will be an even better option, he’s told me he’s in love with the country, in love with the culture.
“He said, he probably regrets not going earlier in his career to Australia. He’s really happy there. He only tells me good things.”
Juan Mata current club, recent form
Mata accepted a move to Western Sydney Wanderers in September 2024, after his contract at Japanese club Vissel Kobe expired at the start of the year, with his current deal at the CommBank Stadium running until June.
The club are solidly placed in mid-table at the half-way point of the A League season and Mata will make a decision over an extension in the coming months.