Bruno Fernandes has insisted that he doesn't want to see Juan Mata leave Manchester United anytime soon after telling supporters that he wants to take the shirt number of the veteran midfielder at some point in the future.
Fernandes wore No 8 for each of this three seasons in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon, but was forced to take 18 after moving to Old Trafford because the iconic shirt number had worn by Mata since his move from Chelsea in 2014.
However, Mata is now entering the final few months of his contract at United as he approaches his 34th birthday, which suggests that a change of shirt number is on the cards for Portugal international Fernandes over the coming months.
As part of a question and answer session on Twitter following the signing of his new contract, Fernandes was asked whether he would like to wear the No. 8 shirt at United in the future.
To which he replied: "I hope to get it one day...but for now I hope to have my brother @juanmata8 close to me."
The update on shirt preference came after United fans rejoiced at news of his extended deal, which could keep him at the club until the summer of 2027.
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"From the moment that I joined Manchester United I have had a special relationship with the Club and our amazing fans," he told the club website.
"I grew up watching this team, dreaming of getting the chance to play here one day. That dream is now a reality and an honour.
"Even after two years, it still feels amazing to step out at Old Trafford, to hear the fans sing my song and to score in front of the Stretford End.
"It is a true privilege to wear this shirt and to fight for our incredible Club.
"There is so much more that I want to achieve here, and I know that is the same for the rest of the squad and staff.
"More than anything, we want to give the fans the success that they deserve. We have shared some great moments over the last years, but the best is yet to come from myself and this team."