Erik ten Hag has underlined the importance of Bruno Fernandes to Manchester United, amid speculation over his future.
United skipper Fernandes has two years left on his current deal, with the option to extend that by a further 12 months. The Portugal playmaker sparked speculation about his future by claiming he would address his situation after Euro 2024 this summer.
But Ten Hag said Fernandes, who has missed just two games for United all season through injury, frequently playing through the pain barrier, is a player they want to keep.
"It's the same question as last week," said Ten Hag. "And the same answer. In all the years, he was a tremendously important player for Manchester United, creating the most chances across the Premier League. So many assists, so many goals. It's clear he's a very important player for us."
Fernandes joined United from Sporting Lisbon in a £68million deal in 2020, making his debut in a 0-0 draw with Wolves at Old Trafford on February 1 that year. Since then, the 29-year-old has made 230 appearances, scoring 79 goals.
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Lisandro Martinez is set to make his long-awaited return for Manchester United against Newcastle at Old Trafford on Wednesday. Martinez has endured an injury-hit season, having undergone two operations on a broken metatarsal and suffered knee ligament and calf problems.
Lisandro Martínez could return for Manchester United against Newcastle (Getty Images)He has been restricted to just 11 appearances for United this season and last played on March 30, in a 1-1 draw at Brentford in the Premier League. United have missed Martinez's leadership qualities in defence, but Erik ten Hag is hopeful the centre-back can be return tomorrow and make it for the FA Cup final against Manchester City on May 25.
“Licha Martinez, I think he will return in the squad,” said Ten Hag. “He's had some sessions with us and we plan for him to be available. So if, this afternoon, everything goes right in training, he will return to the squad.
“Some other players we have to see - Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Willie Kambwal - if they are fit enough.”
Ten Hag also said he hopes Raphael Varane, who announced he is leaving United at the end of the season and is currently injured, will return to play for the team for one last time.
Raphael Varane will leave Manchester United this summer (Getty Images)“We are planning, definitely, for the last games for him,” said Ten Hag. “Not tomorrow, but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game in the final.”
United have struggled for goals this season, but Ten Hag defended the decision to spend £72million on Rasmus Hojlund, a relative unknown, and ask the 21-year-old to lead the attack at such a young age.
“He has had three injuries this season but still he scored 14 goals this season,” said Ten Hag. “I think that's a very good record for a young player. When we decided to go for him we talked about how we were buying a player for this season and for the future.
“He has to develop, he has to progress, he needs time, sometimes it goes up and down, and before winter he struggled to get his first Premier League goal. But he is a very strong character, he is very eager for every match, so I am more confident about him returning to form, he's close.
“So last season, we had a goalscorer with 30 [Rashford], so we added one extra striker to the squad and, with financial resources, more was not possible. So we were quite confident when you are third, in two finals, win one final, when you add one striker, the transfer policy is right."
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