It appears it's not just Hannibal Mejbri, Alavro Fernández and Amad Diallo have impressed on their various loan stints and are anxiously anticipating Man United and Erik Ten Hag's decision regarding their futures.
Just like Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernández, Di'shon Bernard is the latest Man United's loanee who have stated that it's up to their parent club to make the final decision regarding their futures. The loanee further said that he finds the idea of playing for Pompey appealing. Di'shon Bernard acknowledged that he is unsure of where he will play football going forward.
Following a superb performance at Oxford United on Tuesday night, the 22-year-old guided his club to a clean sheet and a 1-0 victory over Accrington with another commanding display.
Pompey supporters have been clamoring to see more of the central defender, who's been unfortunate in that he's received relatively little playing time after an injury hampered his development when he arrived in January.
The former Hull loanee added that, although United has the option to prolong his stay, his current contract with the Premier League club expires this summer. However, he believes he will be moving on because Pompey has a lot to offer as they try to advance next season under John Mousinho.
When asked about his future, Bernard said: "I’m concentrating on the season and playing these last couple of games. In the summer we can then think about it."
"Yes (Pompey would be a good place to play). It’s a nice ground with good fans and a good atmosphere. The club is showing ambition and wants to push for the Championship next season, so we’ll see in the summer. There’s an option on my contract (at United), but I think I’m going to be moving on in the summer."
With seven Pompey appearances under his belt, the Londoner has shown off a wealth of natural potential, so Bernard is unlikely to run out of choices going forward.
But he added that he is now unsure of where he will play football next semester. With his desire to just begin receiving regular game time, he doesn't have any fear about it.
"I’m 22 now so I need to be playing regular games, so I’m excited to see what the future holds. I genuinely don’t know what is going to happen at the moment, so we just have to see what happens. When it comes, we’ll have to think about it."
After catching the eye despite times of little playing time, many Pompey supporters would like to see that happen at Fratton Park, and Mousinho is now considering the idea of a permanent move for the 22-year-old.
When asked if he could sign Bernard permanently, he said: ‘Quite possibly. ‘We’ll see what’s happening with Di’Shon, it’s been really good to have a look at him these past couple of games. He came on against Shrewsbury, started at MK, Oxford and Accrington and as well."
"I think it’s been a bit easier to asses Di’Shon and his capabilities now he’s playing in his natural position versus what he did when he played against Barnsley and Plymouth. Most likely at the very least we’re a loan who goes back, in terms of Di’Shon, so we need to fill that space."
Di'shon Bernard emphasized that he has no problem with being limited to eight appearances because he was unable to overtake those ahead of him due to an injury he sustained early in his tenure.
But the Pompey manager is well known for admiring the qualities the former Chelsea and Hull City loanee defender boasts. John Mousinho wants to see the Londoner utilize both his offensive and defensive strengths to the fullest.
He added: "Di’Shon has been a bit in and out, part of that has been down to the really good form of the back four and centre-halves."
"I thought he came in and played really well against Oxford, particularly having picked up a booking in the first half. That can be really tricky for a centre-half dealing with a powerful and pacy centre-forward, we felt he did that well in his defending and also coming out from the back with the ball."
"There were a couple of moments in the second half when he opened up and went past centre-forwards, it’s really pleasing to see him do that and we’d like him to try it a bit more from the back. I think he can do it from both sides and he’s really effective."
"Carrying the ball from the back is something we really encourage our centre-halves to do. In fairness to Sean (Raggett), he did that really well against Oxford and kept travelling up the right side and found Paddy and Colby in those pockets. It really creates a problem for the opposition when they do that and create an overload."
Alvaro Fernández and Hannibal Mejbri's are also awaiting Man United's decisions regarding their future after impressing on loan. Alvaro Fernández is being considered to he resigned on another loan stint by Preston North End.
"I think I will go to speak with them (United) in one or two weeks," said Fernandez. "They will say that I need to come back in pre-season - to United - then we will speak again, after training, to see what happens and what they want."
"The world is crazy.. you never know in football. Erik ten Hag, he has to choose! I am happy for (Man United) because they are doing very well. They changed a few things in the team - some tactics - and they are doing very well."
Alvaro Fernández has two goals and six assists for Preston North End in the Championship this season.
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