Man United captain Bruno Fernandes writes to fans to admit team HAVEN'T been good enough, reveals he thought he was joining Tottenham - and makes demands as he claims he wants to stay

Bruno Fernandes admitted Manchester United haven't reached the 'standard fans deserve' after penning a heartfelt letter to supporters ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final.

The Portuguese midfielder also addressed his future at the club after being linked with a potential exit following a difficult campaign. 

United's captain has endured a miserable first season with the armband as Erik ten Hag's side slumped to their lowest-ever Premier League finish in eighth, crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage and failed to defend their Carabao Cup title.

However, they have a chance at recovering some pride by winning the FA Cup against derby rivals Manchester City in a repeat of last season's silverware clash that was won by Pep Guardiola's side.

Fernandes lifted United's player of the season award on Thursday after scoring 15 goals in all competitions, providing 12 assists and creating the most chances of any player in the Premier League this season.

The 29-year-old has now addressed a number of issues and issued a rallying call ahead of Wembley's weekend showpiece in an open letter with the Players Tribune.

Modestly admitting the problems United have faced, Fernandes began his analysis of the club's campaign, stating: 'I want to say a few words from the heart before this FA Cup final. I know that it has not been an easy season for you. 

'We have not been up to the standard that you deserve. We have not always matched the support you’ve shown us. As the captain, I feel that more than anyone, and it is not a responsibility that I take for granted.

He continued: 'Frustration. Isn’t that what we all feel? That’s really the only word for this season, I think. If you ask me, or if you ask any United fan, it would be the same.

'It never fully clicked for us. We were not consistent enough, and we have to be better. For each other, for the club, for our fans.'

Meanwhile, United supporters have been fearing Fernandes could be heading towards the Old Trafford exit door this summer after previously refusing to rule out a potential move.

He revealed he would stay 'if the club wanted him' following United's final home game of the season - a 3-2 win over Newcastle - and has now described playing at Old Trafford as his 'ultimate dream'.

Fernandes has sought clarification on the club's future ambitions following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment and ongoing attempts to overhaul the club's sporting department but admitted he wants to stay.

However, the playmaker also highlighted the importance of United challenging for top honours adding: 'I love to step out at Old Trafford more than anything in the world. I don’t want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream.

'I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club. If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals. That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve.

'I just want to keep fighting. I want to be here. My family wants to be here,' he said.

Fernandes has widely been regarded as United's best player since he completed a £47m move from Sporting Lisbon in 2020 and going on to make 232 appearances, scoring 79 goals and registering 65 assists in the process.

He immediately hit the ground running by scoring two goals and providing two assists in his first five Premier League outings and quickly becoming one of Europe's brightest prospects.

But, Fernandes has now revealed how he originally thought he was joining Tottenham and was left 'crying in the closet' with delight after being told United had agreed a deal for him instead.

'I will never forget where I was when I was given the opportunity to come here four years ago. I was standing in the closet in our bedroom in Lisbon.

He added upon being told the news by his agent: 'I didn’t even reply. I started fighting back tears. But you know the feeling when you are trying to hold it in, so the other person doesn’t realise you’re crying, and you can’t even speak? 

'The previous summer, there were some rumours about Premier League clubs being interested in me, but the only thing that was concrete was Tottenham. It feels weird to me now, but at the time, I was excited.'

Manchester United travel to Wembley on Saturday as underdogs seeking to avenge last season's FA Cup final defeat against rivals Man City.