Jaap Stam says Man Utd need ‘extraordinary’ star to win title

Jaap Stam says Manchester United must do everything in their power to keep Bruno Fernandes at the club so they can ‘make the next step’ and win the Premier League title.

Fernandes has been nothing short of a revelation since joining United from Sporting for an initial fee of around £47million back in 2020.

Hailed by many as United’s greatest signing in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, the 31-year-old has racked up 105 goals and 103 appearances in 319 appearances for the club.

Fernandes’ extraordinary contribution has seen the attacking midfielder clinch the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award on four occasions – putting him level with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most wins in history.

The Portugal international appears a shoo-in to claim the prize for a record-breaking fifth time this season, with only Erling Haaland (29) bettering his goal contribution tally (23) in the Premier League.

On Sunday, the United skipper continued his magnificent run of form as Michael Carrick’s men ran out 3-1 victors over fellow Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa.

Though Fernandes was not on the scoresheet at Old Trafford, he was a threat throughout and set up both Casemiro and Matheus Cunha to take him beyond David Beckham’s all-time assists record for an individual season.

‘He is extraordinary, putting in players in front of goal and you need to have these players,’ ex-United and Netherlands defender Stam told Viaplay shortly after the final whistle.

‘We have a lot of discussions about Bruno and what he is and his mentality and how he can react to his team-mates at times.

‘But when you see his quality on the ball and putting player sin front of goal, it’s extraordinary.

‘You need to have these players in your team otherwise you’re never going to make that next step to win the title.’

Fernandes has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League since as far back as 2023 and the midfielder told the Portuguese press in December that this season could be his last with United.

The former Sporting man is tied into a contract with United until 2027, but a release clause in his contract means he could leave for a fee of around £57 million.

After this weekend’s victory over Villa, Carrick insisted everyone involved with United wanted their talisman and captain to stay put.

‘In terms of the club and moving forward, it’s difficult for me to get involved in too much of that,’ the United interim manager told reporters.

‘Bruno is definitely not someone we’d want to lose, I can say that.

‘This summer and beyond that, it’s difficult for me to kind of go too far with that.

‘But certainly, he’s important for us and he’s definitely not one we would want to lose.’

Carrick was also asked about Casemiro’s situation and whether or not the veteran Brazil midfielder could be persuaded into staying on for another year at the Theatre of Dreams.

Asked if there was any chance Casemiro could perform a U-turn on his decision, the ex-England midfielder replied: ‘I think, in some ways, it’s difficult to say.

‘When something is decided, in some ways, the fact that it’s decided makes things a little bit easier and everyone understands the situation really.

‘I think the impact he’s had has been terrific, certainly since I’ve been here and working with him, and his influence in the team and big moments in goals.

‘And I think it was a nice moment at the end there with the supporters, and having that connection and the respect.

‘That was a nice moment and I think he’ll enjoy that.’

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