'No reason' - Michael Carrick gives positive update on Bruno Fernandes' Manchester United future

Michael Carrick is convinced Bruno Fernandes will stay at Manchester United this summer after watching his captain break the record for the most assists in a Premier League season. Fernandes' corner was headed home by Patrick Dorgu to give United the lead against Brighton before adding the third goal himself, taking his tally for the season to 21 assists and nine goals. The 31-year-old has a £56million release clause that is available to foreign clubs and it wouldn't be a surprise if a major European club at least considered making a bid for the Portugal international. Click here to find out the latest Manchester United news in our daily newsletter But Carrick, who praised the influence Fernandes has had off the pitch as well as on it this season, believes he is happy at Old Trafford and ready to stay for another season.

"He's such an influence for us, and he's been the captain and led by example in different ways, so I've got no reason to think otherwise," Carrick said when asked if Fernandes would still be a United player next season. "We've loved what he's done and he loves being here. I think you can see that. He wanted to stay on [against Brighton], he wants to stay every single game because he's enjoying his football, which is fantastic." Fernandes came close to leaving United for Saudi Arabia a year ago, but has responded with his best performance of the season to win the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award and the Premier League Player of the Season honour.

At full-time at the Amex Stadium, he beckoned every member of the United travelling party to the away end to take in the applause, before his teammates pushed him to the front to take the acclaim.