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Manchester United are convinced that qualifying for the Champions League will be sufficient to prevent Bruno Fernandes from leaving Old Trafford. And with United requiring just two more points from their remaining four league fixtures to seal a top five finish, senior club officials are growing increasingly optimistic Fernandes will remain, with Michael Carrick potentially at the helm.

The Portuguese international faces a major decision this summer. He is tied to United until 2027, with the possibility of an additional 12 months. United are under no pressure to offer the attacking midfielder fresh and improved terms. But United's ownership recognise that his impact on the side moving forward is vital to the club's prospects of significant silverware.

While the 31-year-old has a £57million release clause in his contract, meaning United would be unable to retain him should a club he wished to join come forward and match the figure.

Fernandes has made it plain he wants United to be capable of matching his own aspirations when it comes to securing major trophies.

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But with United set to guarantee a return to the elite tier of European football, the English giants will be in a stronger position to attract their top targets to Old Trafford.

Among their midfield targets are Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Adam Wharton. The one potential obstacle concerns the managerial situation. Carrick has performed miracles since assuming control on an interim basis.

However, United are weighing up all possibilities on the table before reaching a final verdict. Fernandes shares a close bond with Carrick, and would prefer United to hand him the role on a permanent basis.

The former Sporting CP star arrived at United in 2020 for £47m and has since become one of their finest acquisitions of the past decade.

Despite United's recent struggles, Fernandes has been a picture of consistency. He sits one shy of the Premier League's all-time assist record of 20 in a season, and is also tipped to claim both the PFA and FWA Player of the Year honours.