David de Gea sends message to former teammate Bruno Fernandes as latter signs new deal at Manchester United
David de Gea sent a two-word message to Bruno Fernandes after the latter penned a new contract at Manchester United. The Portuguese is now committed to the club until the summer of 2027.
Fernandes' previous contract was set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season. He joined the Red Devils from Sporting CP in January 2020 for £47 million and became the club's captain in 2023.
Fernandes has been a regular in the starting XI regardless of who has been the club's manager. He has 79 goals and 67 assists in 234 games for the club and is undoubtedly their most consistent and influential playmaker.
After penning a new deal, Fernandes took to his X account and posted a few pictures with his family taken in a club facility, captioning his post 'Home'. De Gea took note and replied:
"Il Capitano" [Translation: The Captain]
De Gea and Fernandes shared the pitch 152 times at the club before the Spanish icon left Old Trafford as a free agent in 2023. After a one-year wait, the 33-year-old finally found a new club this month, signing a short-term one-year deal with Serie A club Fiorentina.
Bruno Fernandes speaks up after his new Manchester United contract
Bruno Fernandes was pleased to sign his new Manchester United contract ahead of the start of the new Premier League season. The 29-year-old will be aiming to help his team land their first league title since Sir Alex Ferguson's exit in 2013.
A top-four finish, however, would perhaps be a realistic starting point after the club finished eighth last term. But with Fernandes tied down to a new deal and the addition of Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Leny Yoro, Erik ten Hag would be feeling confident of the club's chances this season.
Speaking after penning a new deal at Old Trafford, Fernandes said, via the club's official website:
"Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United. I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt, and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club...
"...From my discussions with the football leadership and manager, it is clear how determined everyone is to fight for major trophies in the years ahead. I can see how positive the future is going to be and I am relishing leading this team forward."
The Red Devils skipper is now expected to feature in his team's Premier League opener on 16 August against Fulham.