Why stalling over new Fernandes contract would be Man Utd's worst decision of the summer

14 Aug 2026 06:32 BST | 4 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

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Manchester United are entering a new era under Michael Carrick but concerns are starting to grow over how long captain Bruno Fernandes will be a part of it.

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Fernandes has been United’s best and most important player since his arrival in 2020, becoming a virtual ever-present and the heartbeat of the team on the pitch, all while displaying unconditional commitment and loyalty off it.

Current ETV

Bruno Fernandes

M, DM (C)

Man Utd

Bruno Fernandes

M, DM (C)

Man Utd

ETV Range

€30.2M - €36.9M

Yet Fernandes finds himself in an intriguing position going into the new season. One month shy of his 32nd birthday, the playmaker is in the final year of his contract and, while United have an option to extend it, both parties would prefer to sign fresh terms.

However, the BBC have revealed that there is no agreement over a new deal as of yet amid interest from Juventus, Milan and Galatasaray, all of whom would be willing to meet Fernandes’ €65 million release clause to foreign clubs.

Fernandes’ preference is said to be to remain at Old Trafford for the remainder of his career, although he has been vocal of United’s need to compete at the highest level for titles and trophies, which could impact his happiness at the club.

United, meanwhile, find themselves at a crossroads knowing that, while Fernandes is undoubtedly the biggest star at the club, their skipper could be the biggest roadblock to a smaller wage bill and a younger future.

Bruno Fernandes: Why Man Utd’s contract decision should be an easy one

Fernandes spoke last year of his ‘hurt’ at United entertaining an offer from Al-Hilal the previous summer, having been told by the club that they would leave it up to their captain to decide if he wanted to remain or not.

The Portuguese international had been hoping for a defiant declaration of loyalty from his club, perhaps with a bumper new contract, knowing that Fernandes could have exponentially increased his salary with a switch to Saudi Arabia.

But one year on from the Saudi talks, Fernandes’ is still on the same contract he signed in 2024, and he would feel warranted in asking the club to offer him improved terms if he, once again, chooses to ignore interest in him to remain at United.

While there is no concern over Fernandes’ performances or his longevity, having never missed more than three Premier League games in a single season since his arrival, United are aware of the risks in leading with their heart over their head.

© IMAGO - Bruno Fernandes is Man Utd's most important player under Michael Carrick.

The Red Devils have already found themselves lumbered with Marcus Rashford’s wages which have prevented them from investing in a high-quality attacker so far this summer and, while Fernandes’ contract wouldn’t be seen as a negative, an improved renewal would significantly break United’s pay structure.

However, Fernandes represents everything right about United and their culture and they would certainly struggle to replace his impact for €65m, let alone if he leaves for free next summer.

For United, keeping Carrick’s best player and captain happy would be the greatest way to support their new head coach, especially after a summer which has so far seen less improvement to the squad than ideally desired.

There is no question that Fernandes is worthy of a new, improved and longer contract to be able to leave on his own terms instead of as a financial decision and United will now need to repay their skipper’s loyalty or risk destabilising Carrick’s project before it’s even begun.