Carrick confident Bruno Fernandes will stay at Man Utd

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is confident skipper Bruno Fernandes will remain at the club next season.

Fernandes ended the campaign by claiming a Premier League record 21st assist of the season to start the scoring in United's 3-0 win at Brighton. He then scored his ninth goal of the campaign to finish it.

The 31-year-old's contract is due to expire next summer, although United do have an option to extend it by another year.

It is anticipated talks will be held in the coming weeks, with Fernandes in a strong bargaining position given his outstanding contribution to United's third-placed finish and his FWA and Premier League player of the season accolades.

United are equally keen not to let their wage bill spiral out of control.

However, Carrick is confident Fernandes will still be at the club next season.

"I've got no reason to think otherwise," said Carrick. "We've loved what he's done, and he loves being here. I think you can see that.

"He's such an influence for us. He's been the captain and led by example in different ways.

"He wants to stay on every single game because he's enjoying his football, which is fantastic."