Aniket Rai
Juan Mata asks Bruno Fernandes to wait for number 8 jersey at Manchester United
Speaking in an interview (h/t Daily Mail), Juan Mata jokingly said that Bruno Fernandes would have to wait at least one year before he can have the No.8 jersey at Manchester United.
Fernandes was signed from Sporting CP in January 2020, where he donned the No. 8 jersey. With Mata already having that shirt at Old Trafford, Fernandes picked No.18; the number he will likely wear next season as well.
Mata penned a new deal with the club earlier this month. The Spaniard’s contract expired in the summer but he extended his stay at the club by one more year.
It is evident that Bruno is eyeing the number 8 jersey at United. The Portuguese midfielder jokingly tweeted a photo with Mata after the news of his contract renewal, expressing how he is gutted at having to wait another year for his number 8 kit.
Mata and Bruno joke over No.8 kit
And Mata has now himself addressed that he is not willing to give up his number just yet, asking Fernandes to wait until at least the summer of 2022 for it.
“At least another year! [replying to how long Bruno has to wait for the number 8 kit] I think he’s happy that I’m staying and I’m happy to be playing with him. We’ve got a great relationship since he came and, of course, he’s been brilliant for us on and off the pitch. He’s also a great guy and an example for others.”
The 33-year-old, who signed from Chelsea more than 7 years back, is no longer one of the first names on the team sheet. But having an experienced player like him in the squad can impact the youngsters in a positive way off the field.
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Fernandes could himself be in line for a new deal at United. Fabrizio Romano tweeted (as covered by WeAllFollowUnited) earlier this month that offering a new contract to the 26-year-old will be the club’s priority soon.
