Bruno Fernandes discloses transfer request prior to renewing contract with Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes has made it clear that he expects Manchester United's new leadership to make significant moves in the summer transfer market before he commits to a new contract at Old Trafford.

The United captain signed a long-term deal with the club last week, extending his stay in Manchester until 2027 with the option of a further year.

It ended speculation over the Portugal international’s future at the club after comments at the end of last season which raised doubts over whether he would still be at the club this term.

While Erik ten Hag led the club to an FA Cup success, the club slumped to a miserable eighth place finish in the Premier League.

Amid reports suggesting United could even consider realistic offers for their skipper, Fernandes urged the club to demonstrate they could match his own ambitions on the pitch.

United have made four signings this summer, bringing in Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui to bolster the squad with Fernandes believing the club have shown they mean business this season.

‘The club knew that I want to compete with the best teams. They knew that we needed to improve the team. And I think that we’re doing that,’ Fernandes told United’s official website.

While realistic over United’s hopes of closing the gap on Manchester City and Arsenal in the league, Fernandes now feels there is a squad there capable of competing for more major honours.

‘Obviously, I said to them: “I don’t need you to promise me that we’re going to win the league.” Because no-one can promise that.

‘But at least that we will have a team to compete and be competitive through the season, to try to achieve silverware and to compete in the highest levels.

‘I think the club is doing that. It’s trying to bring people in to get more players with quality in the team; to get more competitive, [so everyone is] fighting for your place.

‘But my first choice was always to stay at the club. It was not even demands, but the things that I wanted to see: the club going forward, [so] I could see a future on that.

‘To be honest, I look now and I see that the club is making an effort for that.’