Speaking after Manchester United's 3-0 win over Brighton on Sunday — a result that sealed third place in the Premier League and Champions League football — Carrick was asked directly about his confidence that Fernandes would remain at the club for the 2026-27 season.
"Yeah, he's such an influence. He's been a captain and led by example in different ways. I've got no reason to think otherwise," he said. "I love what he's done and he loves being here. I can see that. I know he wants to start every game because he's enjoying his football, which is fantastic."
The performance that prompted the question was typical Fernandes. The Portugal midfielder scored and registered his 21st assist of the Premier League season — a new record, surpassing the previous mark shared by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne — in a final day that underlined why United are so determined to keep him.
Fernandes, 31, finishes the season with nine goals and 21 assists in 35 Premier League appearances. He has operated under four managers since joining the club from Sporting CP in January 2020 and has been United's most consistently influential player across each of those tenures.
His current contract runs to 2027, with the club holding an option to extend by a further 12 months. United are understood to want a longer-term commitment from the player before the start of the new season, though talks have not yet been formally concluded.
The complication is that Fernandes has a reported release clause of around £57 million — a figure that could attract serious attention from clubs entering the Champions League next season. He turned down a move to Saudi Arabia worth a reported £200 million last summer to stay in Manchester.
Carrick took over as interim manager in January following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, who had himself replaced Erik ten Hag mid-season. He has since agreed a two-year deal to remain as manager on a permanent basis — a development that has added stability to United's planning.
The Fernandes contract situation will be the most significant piece of business United conduct this summer. Champions League football, a permanent manager and the record-breaking form of their captain have never aligned more clearly in the club's favour.