A membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed. The membrane-electrode assembly may include a polymer electrolyte membrane, an adhesive layer disposed on the polymer electrolyte membrane and a catalyst layer formed, as part of the adhesive layer. The polymer electrolyte membrane, the adhesive layer and the catalyst layer may be positioned between a cathode substrate and an anode substrate. The cathode may include a cathode substrate and the anode may include an anode substrate. A method for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly and a system incorporating a membrane-electrode assembly are also disclosed.