Bruno Fernandes reveals dream Manchester United shirt number after signing a new contract
After signing a new deal at Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes has set his sights on the No.8 shirt.
The attacking midfielder, who joined United from Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, has signed a new long-term contract extension that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2026.
The agreement includes the option to extend his stay for another year.
When United meet Leicester today, Fernandes will be hoping to assist them rekindle their push for a top-four finish (Saturday).
In 117 games for the club, he has proven to be one of United’s best purchases in recent years, scoring 49 goals and collecting 39 assists.
Fernandes has acknowledged that he hopes to wear the historic No.8 shirt at Old Trafford at some point in the future now that he has dedicated his future to United ahead of a new chapter in the club’s history beginning this summer.
It is currently owned by Juan Mata, but the Spanish midfielder is scheduled to leave the club this summer when his contract expires.
“Jersey number 8 next season? #AskBruno,” Fernandes was asked during a Twitter Q&A to commemorate signing his new deal.
Fernandes replied: “I hope to get it one day… but for now I hope to have my brother @juanmata8 close to me.” He also included a love heart emoji in the post, signifying his strong relationship with Mata.
I hope to get it one day… but for now I hope to have my brother @juanmata8 close to me ❤️#AskBruno ♥️🖤 https://t.co/68nHJCiwIL
— Bruno Fernandes (@B_Fernandes8) April 1, 2022
After informing supporters that he wants to take Juan Mata’s shirt number in the future, Bruno Fernandes has underlined that he does not want to see the veteran midfielder leave Manchester United anytime soon.
Fernandes wore No. 8 for each of his three seasons with Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, but was obliged to wear No. 18 when he arrived at Old Trafford because the legendary shirt number had been worn by Mata since his move from Chelsea in 2014.
However, Mata is nearing the end of his contract at United as he approaches his 34th birthday, implying that a jersey number change is on the cards for Portugal international Fernandes in the coming months.
The shirt preference change came after United fans celebrated the news of his new contract, which may keep him at the club until the summer of 2027.
“From the moment that I joined Manchester United I have had a special relationship with the Club and our amazing fans,” he told the club website.
“I grew up watching this team, dreaming of getting the chance to play here one day. That dream is now a reality and an honour.
“Even after two years, it still feels amazing to step out at Old Trafford, to hear the fans sing my song and to score in front of the Stretford End.
“It is a true privilege to wear this shirt and to fight for our incredible Club.
“There is so much more that I want to achieve here, and I know that is the same for the rest of the squad and staff.
“More than anything, we want to give the fans the success that they deserve. We have shared some great moments over the last years, but the best is yet to come from myself and this team.”
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Bruno Fernandes reveals dream Manchester United shirt number after signing a new contract
