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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has made a massive statement on the eve of the FA Cup final as the club prepares for a tense 24 hours. Fernandes, who has been the standout player for Manchester United this season despite the club’s worst Premier League finish has urged players to keep on fighting while also matching his expectations. United will play arch-rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final for the second consecutive season and will need to win if manager Erik ten Hag hopes to keep his job.

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Fernandes urges United to fight

"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," he wrote in a letter to fans in The Players' Tribune ahead of United's FA Cup final clash against Manchester City on Saturday.

"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.

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"We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in the cup finals. That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve.

The player made a massive statement on his future last week, suggesting he could be on his way out of the club if the management wants him to. Fernandes will have a huge role to play in Saturday’s clash as United prepare for the do-or-die contest to end the season on a winning note.

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Manager Ten Hag is reported to be sacked by the club if he fails to deliver a trophy for the club this season. In his second season in charge, United finished eighth in the Premier League, the club’s lowest finish since the 1989-90 season. With new management at the club, Sir Jim Ratcliffe could pull the trigger to sack Ten Hag if the FA Cup final result goes against the Red Devils.

Fernandes on the other hand will look to give his best shot in the FA Cup final before joining the Portugal national side at the Euro 2024.