Man Utd suffer Bruno Fernandes setback as contract talks stall over 'surprise' detail

8 Oct 2026 16:58 BST 2 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

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Bruno Fernandes’ future at Manchester United has taken a twist and left the prospect of a new contract in a precarious state after talks were held up over a ‘surprise’ detail.

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Fernandes is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and, while the club have an option to extend his deal for another season, the desire from all parties is to get a brand new contract in place for the 32-year-old.

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United are believed to be willing to offer Fernandes a contract until 2029, with the option of a further year, potentially tying the midfielder down to the club until he is 35, but a deal is not though to be imminent due to a hold up in talks over a specific clause.

That is according to TEAMtalk, who claim a longer agreement is also being discussed which could include an appearance-based clause, with the contract’s length potentially increasing automatically depending on Fernandes’ involvement.

United are understood to be wary of how long Fernandes can last at the top level and they are reluctant to sanction a clause that could tie their highest earner into an even lengthier deal.

Talks are ongoing and there is no danger of United looking to part ways with Fernandes, with the club hopeful they can reward their captain with a new deal that reflects his importance while also protecting the Red Devils in the latter years of the contract.

Bruno Fernandes: Man Utd captain looking for club to reward his loyalty after Saudi Arabia approach

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

© IMAGO - Bruno Fernandes is keen to remain at Man Utd.

The playmaker 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.

Fernandes is thought to be keen to remain with United for the rest of his career but there is also a desire for the club to match his loyalty with a bumper new deal after he rejected the lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

While United have been looking to lower their overall wage bill, they are willing to meet Fernandes’ financial demands, with the sticking point being the contract length but, with all parties keen on a resolution, a compromise is expected to be reached eventually.