UMVA has learned that Manchester United have unexpectedly paused contract talks with club captain Bruno Fernandes, as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe shifts focus towards securing new signings.
The Old Trafford hierarchy has put Fernandes's contract renewal on the back burner for now, despite him entering the final year of his current £250,000-a-week deal. However, the club retains an option to trigger a 12-month extension, providing a safety net.
Despite putting the brakes on negotiations, United chiefs remain relaxed about the situation. Fernandes had positive discussions with senior club figures before joining the Portugal squad for the World Cup, assuring them that his immediate future remains at Old Trafford.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the Man United hierarchy is confident that Fernandes will stay for the foreseeable future. They intend to revisit and open negotiations for a new, improved deal before the end of 2026.
The club bosses are highly confident that no rival team will match Fernandes's £55 million release clause due to his age and high wage demands. This allows them to focus on refreshing the squad under manager Michael Carrick.
Fernandes had a record-breaking season with Man United, serving as the undisputed heartbeat of the team during the 2025–26 season. He guided the club back into a Champions League qualification spot and broke the all-time Premier League record for the most assists in a single campaign with 21.
His elite performances have made him indispensable to Carrick’s tactical setup. However, the club is determined to reduce the team’s over-reliance on their aging talisman by building a younger, more dynamic supporting cast around him.
With a £38m deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson already secured, shelving Fernandes’s contract extension allows the recruitment team to exhaust its resources on strengthening the squad before rewarding the skipper later in the year.
