John Murtough sends hidden message in Fernandes statement to Man Utd transfers

Manchester United football director John Murtough has dropped a hint that the club will only be signing players who are believed to be strong-willed and committed.

On Friday it was announced that midfielder Bruno Fernandes had extended his stay at Old Trafford until 2026. The Portuguese playmaker has been one of United's best-performing stars since arriving from Sporting CP in 2020.

The 27-year-old has scored 35 goals in 78 appearances for the Red Devils and is now a crucial part of the United team in the no.10 role. With Ralf Rangnick set to be succeeded at the end of the summer, the contract extension signifies that the higher powers at United believe Fernandes is one of the individuals that the new team needs to be built around.

Speaking about the midfielder, Murtough said: "Everyone is well aware of Bruno's importance to Manchester United. His goals and assists record is phenomenal and he has performed remarkably consistently since he joined the Club.

"Bruno's work rate, dedication and fantastic attitude are exactly what we want from a Manchester United player. He is the ultimate professional with many fantastic attributes to drive the high standards required to play for this great Club. Bruno, like everyone across the Football Club, remains hugely ambitious and determined to deliver sustained success on the pitch to get us back to challenging for titles."

The comments about having an exemplary attitude will certainly capture the attention of some, especially given that there have been reports all season long that there are plenty of issues behind the scenes at United. Stories have circulated that there are divides in the dressing room, players questioning training methods and even some disagreeing with having Rangnick as a placeholder for a new boss in the summer.

But it appears that Murtough is now taking a no-nonsense approach with such players and has made a statement of intent that the club only want to sign players that are fully committed to the project at United and won't create any issues. The Red Devils are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window and fans are expecting a major shakeup.

With numerous players leaving as free agents, United's new boss - whoever that may be - will need to add both depth and quality to the squad in equal measure. The club are expected to be in the market for a striker and two midfielders at the very minimum, with there being suggestions that a right-winger could be on the club's shopping list as well.

West Ham's Declan Rice and Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane are two names that have been heavily linked with making the move to the Theatre of Dreams at the end of the season, and both have displayed great leadership and quality at their respective clubs. Although both players will cost mega money individually, either of the signings would certainly be a step in the right for United as they look to regain their status as one of the top clubs in the Premier League.