Manchester United are said to be unconcerned about Bruno Fernandes' contract situation, with talks already underway over a new deal for the Portuguese midfielder, whose current terms are set to expire next summer.
The club holds the option to extend his contract by a further year, and while that safety net exists, sources close to the situation suggest United are keen to tie him down to fresh terms rather than rely solely on that clause. Fernandes remains a central figure in manager Michael Carrick's setup after a standout campaign that saw United secure Champions League qualification. During that season, the 30-year-old also broke the Premier League's single-season assist record, underlining his importance to the team's attacking output.
Despite United's calm approach to the negotiations, other clubs have taken notice of Fernandes' contractual position. With no transfer fee required should he leave when his deal runs down, several sides are reportedly monitoring developments closely. Adding to the intrigue, a previous release clause worth £57million that had been included in his contract lapsed this summer, removing what was once a clear valuation marker for potential suitors.
The uncertainty surrounding his future comes against the backdrop of comments Fernandes made last year about how United handled interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. The Portugal international revealed he felt let down by the club's response when a lucrative offer arrived from the Middle East, admitting the experience left him emotionally affected even as he ultimately chose to stay at Old Trafford.
"From the club I felt it was, 'If you go, it's not so bad for us'. It hurts me a bit," Fernandes told Canal 11, a channel operated by the Portuguese Football Federation.
He elaborated further on how the episode affected him personally, distinguishing between hurt and a deeper sense of sadness at the club's apparent willingness to let him depart. "More than hurting me, it makes me sad. I'm a player that no one can criticise. I'm always available, I always give my best," he said.
Fernandes also acknowledged the financial and sporting sacrifices he made by staying, pointing out that a move to Saudi Arabia would have brought significantly greater wealth and potentially more silverware in the short term. "I could have left in this transfer window, I would have earned much more money," he explained. "I would have won many trophies this season, but I decided not to go, not only for family reasons but because I genuinely love the club."
Those remarks highlighted the emotional complexity behind Fernandes' decision to remain at United during a turbulent period for the club, even as questions lingered about how appreciated he felt by the hierarchy. Now, with a new contract discussion reportedly progressing, United will be hoping to avoid a repeat of that uncertainty and secure their captain's long-term future before speculation intensifies.
Given his record of consistent performances and leadership on the pitch, keeping Fernandes at Old Trafford beyond his current deal is viewed as a priority for the club's football operations. How swiftly those negotiations progress, however, remains to be seen, particularly with rival clubs aware of the free-transfer possibility looming on the horizon.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport (Standard Football).