Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has insisted that Bruno Fernandes will not be leaving the club, despite reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid.

United captain Fernandes has been their best player again this season, scoring 16 goals in 44 matches, including seven in seven.

In 277 appearances for the club, he has scored 95 goals and registered 81 assists. In the Premier League, meanwhile, he has the third-most goal involvements (112) of any player since his debut in February 2020.

Asked about a report linking Fernandes with Real Madrid, Amorim said: “No, it’s not going to ­happen."

While Manchester United have not challenged for the Premier League title since Fernandes joined the club, Amorim was clear that they need to keep hold of players like him in order to do so.

“That is the challenge. I want Bruno here because we want to win the Premier League again so we want the best players," he said.

"He’s [30] but still so [fit], plays 55 games every season and between assists and goals he’s there for 30 at least, so he’s not going anywhere.

“We are in control of the ­situation and I feel that he is really happy here. Sometimes, the ­frustration that everybody sees and [they] maybe say is not a good thing in a captain, but it’s a sign he wants this [success] so bad. He’s not going ­anywhere because I’ve already told him.”

Amorim was not as keen to discuss the future of Marcus Rashford, who looks unlikely to play for United again after going on loan to Aston Villa in January.

“He’s a top player, if he wants,” said Amorim.

“It’s the same with Antony [on loan at Real Betis]. It’s good we see our players doing well on loan in a ­different context, a good sign for the club.

"I’m planning the future but I don’t want to talk about the future at this moment. I want to focus on the next game.”

United travel to third-placed Nottingham Forest on Tuesday and are currently on a four-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.