Published: 15:17 EDT, 14 August 2024 | Updated: 15:17 EDT, 14 August 2024 MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has signed a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2027.

The Portugal midfielder has been a key figure for the Red Devils since his arrival in January 2020, scoring 79 goals in his 234 appearances.

United announced the new deal, which includes an option for a further year, on Wednesday.

It comes after speculation at the end of last season that Fernandes could leave the club this summer.

"Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United," the 29-year-old Fernandes said.

"I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt, and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club.

"I have had so many special moments here already.

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But I wouldnt have signed this contract if I didnt believe that my best moments in a United shirt are still to come.

"Fernandes new deal is a further boost to Erik ten Hags team following the summer arrivals of Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui as it looks to build on last seasons FA Cup win and improve on an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.

FILE - Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes in action during an English Premier League soccer match at Elland Road in Leeds, England, on April 25, 2021.

(Peter Powell/Pool via AP, File)AP soccer: https://apnews.

com/hub/soccer.