Bruno Fernandes has signed a contract extension with Manchester United, which will keep him at the club till 2026, the Premier League club said in a statement on Friday. The deal also includes an option to extend his stay for an additional year.

The 27-year-old Portugal midfielder, who arrived from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, is seen as a key part of the club’s future as it looks to hire a permanent manager this summer.

“From the moment that I joined Manchester United, I have had a special relationship with the club and our amazing fans. I grew up watching this team, dreaming of getting the chance to play here one day. That dream is now a reality and an honor,” Fernandes said in the club’s announcement. 

“Even after two years, it still feels amazing to step out at Old Trafford, to hear the fans sing my song and to score in front of the Stretford End. It is a true privilege to wear this shirt and to fight for our incredible club.”

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Sixth-place United is four points behind Arsenal in fourth for the final Champions League spot and hosts Leicester on Saturday. United was knocked out of Europe’s top club competition by Atlético Madrid last month.

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“There is so much more that I want to achieve here,” Fernandes said, “and I know that is the same for the rest of the squad and staff. More than anything, we want to give the fans the success that they deserve.”

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Fernandes has tallied 49 goals and 39 assists in 117 games with United.

Noting Fernandes’ “importance to Manchester United,” United director of football John Murtough said, “Bruno’s work rate, dedication and fantastic attitude are exactly what we want from a Manchester United play.”

“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.”