Manchester United star who wants a new contract might win award at Euro 2024

"I like the negativity, thinking the national team is not that good," said Bruno Fernandes after a recent friendly defeat for Portugal in preparation for Euro 2024.

"It's a sign that people expect a lot from the national team and it means that we have the quality to do more, we know that and in this game, we have the opportunity to rectify it."

Cristiano Ronaldo will wear the captain's armband for Portugal at this summer's tournament in Germany, but Manchester United's captain is set to play a crucial role.

Although Portugal are the bookies' fourth favourites to win Euro 2024, shrewd judges have backed them to go far in the tournament. Portugal need Fernandes to enjoy an excellent tournament to make the final and perhaps a sprinkling of stardust from a 39-year-old Ronaldo.

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The good news for Portugal is Fernandes enjoyed a wonderful season for United and enters the tournament with a point to prove, as he wants a new contract at Old Trafford.

Fernandes' deal with United expires in the summer of 2026 and there's an option for another year, but he's thought to want better terms that reflect his importance to the team.

There's no player in the United dressing room who has greater importance than Fernandes. He's been the most consistent performer since signing from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 and delivered strong displays last season in a struggling side that finished eighth in the table.

United would have finished even lower in the Premier League without Fernandes and his absence was felt when he succumbed to injury for the first time in his club career in May. Fernandes returned