Man Utd hopeful of agreeing new deal with Fernandes

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Manchester United are optimistic about finalizing a new contract with captain Bruno Fernandes in the coming weeks.

The midfielder’s current contract, signed in 2022, runs until 2026.

While an announcement may be made before the transfer window closes on August 30, the club’s immediate priority is finalizing transfers that must meet this deadline.

Fernandes took over as club captain from Harry Maguire in 2023, and manager Erik ten Hag has consistently supported him, despite criticism from former United captains Gary Neville and Roy Keane.

Although Fernandes was not listed among the ‘untouchables’ whom United would not entertain offers for this summer, any potential sale would have depended on an irresistible bid, which has not occurred.

Fernandes raised questions about his future at Old Trafford before the FA Cup final in May, expressing a desire for his personal expectations to align with those of the club.

The midfielder played the full 90 minutes on Saturday as United lost on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the Community Shield against Manchester City.

United are close to completing the signings of central defender Matthijs de Ligt and full-back Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. Along with the arrivals of Leny Yoro from Lille and striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, this would bring United’s summer spending to nearly £140 million.