Bruno Fernandes gets his wish with new Manchester United deal

Bruno Fernandes is set to get his wish and be rewarded with a new and improved Manchester United contract.

ManchesterWorld revealed back in May the club captain was open to signing a new contract despite rumours at the time linking him with a move to Bayern Munich or Inter Milan.

It is understood Fernandes was among a number of senior players who were disgruntled by Ineos handling of player's futures towards the end of the last campaign and a lack of clear communication when there was a growing sense that experienced squad members were being pushed out.

The Portuguese playmaker sought clarity in a meeting with senior executives before the end of the season and the talks were largely positive with the player and club underlining their commitment to each other. Fernandes made it clear he would be interested in penning a new long-term deal at Old Trafford and felt his commitment, role as captain, and level of performance over several years, should be rewarded with a pay rise on similar terms to that of highest-earner Marcus Rashford.

Rashford agreed an extension last summer on wages believed to be around £300,000 a week, significantly more than Fernandes’ salary, which is closer to £250,000 per week. The former Sporting Lisbon star signed a fresh contract at United in 2022 and still has two years remaining, plus the option of an additional 12 months. His new contract would be an extension until 2027, with the option of an additional year as well.

It’s understood United were initially reluctant to offer the club captain a new lucrative deal as Ineos look to try and reduce overall spending on salaries and limit player power, although Fernandes is not seen as a disruptive influence in the squad. He is finally set to get his wish though, with club chiefs agreeing he deserves a new contract to reflect his importance to the team, with Fernandes viewed as a key figure as part of their ongoing rebuild under Erik ten Hag.

Fernandes could even become the club's highest-earning squad member after Rashford and Casemiro's respective wages were reduced by 25% following the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League. It is understood United could announce the new contract in the next two weeks, with the plan for it to be formalised before the end of the summer transfer window.