Manchester United fans must wonder what state the Reds would be in if it weren't for star man Bruno Fernandes. After a fluctuating seven years at the club, the 31-year-old has become a club legend through his magnificent performances.

The midfielder recorded 21 assists for the Reds this season, surpassing Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne's record of 20 assists in a single season, and winning Premier League player of the year in the process.

All this helped United secure a third-place finish, which surprised fans after the club's worst Premier League season ever under former manager Rúben Amorim last year, and despite a rocky start to this season.

There's no time to wait in Bruno's eyes; the club has built a momentum under Michael Carrick, and now that the 44-year-old has been confirmed to stay on as permanent manager next season, the United captain has expressed his expectations for next year's campaign.

It's no secret that Fernandes has consistently been the Reds' best player in every season he's played in since signing under Ole Gunnar Solsjær in 2019. Still, his humbleness and loyalty to United have stopped him from moving on to a club in a better position.

That said, the midfielder's determination has never wavered. Fernandes has captained the side to an FA Cup triumph and a Carabao Cup win under Erik ten Hag, and has developed into the best 'number ten' in the world by some margin. 

ESPN has reported that Fernandes is expected to win more trophies at this stage in his United career, claiming that the midfielder wants to win the Premier League with United.

"Obviously, I wanted to have won more; it wasn't quite what I had expected for myself and for the club," Fernandes started.

"But my goal has always been to win the biggest competitions, and the Premier League is part of it. And I still have that dream in me, and I hope to achieve it."

This report is an ode to Fernandes' drive as a player. It is rare for a man who has won almost everything individually to still want to develop his club to this extent and to bring a club like United back to its glory days.

"And it's something that I want to do and I want to be at that level to play against the best and show that I can be at their level."

If there's one thing fans can deduce from this interview, it is that we can expect to see Fernandes at the peak of his powers next season. With things at the club starting to improve and a long-term model integrated, optimism is in order for the United faithful.

As previously mentioned, interim manager Carrick has been given the permanent role after an improvement in form since taking the role in January, and has exceeded expectations by securing Champions League football for next season.

Everything seems to be on an upward trajectory, team morale is at a level it hasn't been at for a long while, the financial situation has improved, and the Reds are expected to splash the cash on big-money signings this summer.

Fernandes has relished in the positivity surrounding the club, saying this: "I think he brought a very positive energy to the team, he tried to be very positive, because obviously we were in a moment of coaching transition, which is always a difficult time for the team."

The football certainly supports Bruno's claims, after changing back to a classic 4-2-3-1 formation from Amorim's infamous 3-4-2-1, 'Carrickball' has led the Reds to 12 wins in 16 games, and has gotten the best out of stars like Kobbie Mainoo and Matheus Cunha.

"But he is someone who constantly tries to pass on that root of what Manchester is, of what it is to arrive at Old Trafford and win games, and to feel that vibration of the fans pushing you and pushing the team, regardless of what happens."

This type of mentality has been instilled into the players, and that is evident in eevery game they've played under Carrick. Now, fans look forward to what could be a very positive campaign.