Man Utd make shock Bruno Fernandes contract decision

4 Jun 2026 12:30 BST | 5 min read

Bruno Fernandes, Man Utd, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Manchester United have stopped talks with Bruno Fernandes over a new contract, according to a respected source.

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Fernandes’ future at Old Trafford has been a source of speculation for many months, but after a record-breaking Premier League campaign in which he delivered 21 assists, the 31-year-old had appeared in line to get a new deal with United.

These talks have been put on the backburner, according to The Mirror, though it is expected that Bruno will remain at Old Trafford next season.

Current ETV

Bruno Fernandes

AM, M, DM (C)

Man Utd

Bruno Fernandes

AM, M, DM (C)

Man Utd

ETV Range

€37.7M - €46M

Bruno Fernandes: What’s going on?

Man Utd have postponed contract talks with Bruno until the end of 2026, with bosses at the Red Devils confident that the Portugal international star will be going nowhere in the meantime.

Fernandes spoke to chiefs at Old Trafford before leaving for the World Cup and informed them that he has no desire to leave.

For the club’s part, they informed the player that they have every intention to strengthen their side this summer, with the imminent arrival of Ederson from Atalanta in a €45 million deal early evidence of this desire to strengthen their ranks.

The playmaker has a €63.5 million (£55m) release clause in his contract, which expires in 2027. United do not believe anyone will be willing to match that figure, with Bruno’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) sitting at €41.8m.

While he will be free to negotiate terms to leave from 1 January next year if no new contract is agreed before then, there is a one-year option that can be triggered before that date.

Learning from Liverpool’s Salah mistake?

United’s stance may be motivated in part by the experience of Liverpool, who handed Mohamed Salah a new two-year contract in 2025 following a career-best season.

The Egypt international, however, was unable to maintain his form into 2025/26 and fell out with manager Arne Slot, causing collateral damage in an already tense situation for the club. Salah will ultimately have his contract torn up by Liverpool at the end of this season and will leave as a free agent.

By waiting until the last minute to open talks with Fernandes, United are hedging their bets on a player who was outstanding last season but cannot remain at the peak of his powers forever.

Bruno Fernandes contract rumours: What are other sources saying?

Fabrizio Romano had indicated at the end of April that Man Utd were in the process of opening contract talks with United.

He said: “Man Utd, from what I understand, are prepared to make significant efforts to keep Bruno. Contacts are ongoing. Man Utd want to continue with Bruno Fernandes after a fantastic season with 30 goal contributions and 21 assists in a single Premier League campaign. He produced more assists than Kevin De Bruyne and made history in the Premier League.

© IMAGO - Fernandes takes instructions from Man Utd boss Michael Carrick

“Man Utd now want to avoid temptations from around Europe and from Saudi Arabia, where they have wanted Bruno Fernandes for the past three years. They have always been obsessed with Bruno Fernandes. However, my understanding is that Man Utd have already started conversations behind the scenes to ensure Bruno Fernandes continues at the club.

“It is the desire of the ownership, the management, the coach, the technical staff and the teammates. They are all very happy with Bruno as one of the leaders of the dressing room. So, for sure, United are pushing strongly and making efforts to keep Bruno Fernandes. Work is in progress on this situation.”

Romano’s information may be several days old, but it conflicts with the latest reports on Bruno Fernandes’ future. However, both agree that Man Utd want to retain the Portugal international, who now seems very unlikely to leave Old Trafford.

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