Why Manchester United are ‘reluctant’ to offer Bruno Fernandes a long-term deal amid captaincy uncertainty

Much has been made of Bruno Fernandes’ future at Manchester United in recent weeks, with speculation suggesting he would be open to embarking on a new venture elsewhere.

He addressed the rumors himself following the Red Devils’ final home game of the campaign – a 3-2 win over Newcastle United last Wednesday – telling Sky Sports: “I don’t want to be a player that the club doesn’t want to have. If for some reason they don’t want me, I’ll leave. But if they want me, I’ll stay.”

As expected, Erik ten Hag has publicly stated his desire to keep Fernandes, who he made captain ahead of his second season in charge.

The 29-year-old is believed to be attracting interest from European giants Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, and at this stage in his career, adding more major trophies to his list of honors will no doubt be something to think about he, while United will start another. much-needed rebuilding period with INEOS at the helm.

Fernandes will continue to be the talisman at the heart of the team regardless of who is in charge at Old Trafford, with his current deal set to expire in 2026 – although the club have the option to extend it by a further year.

The latest on Fernandes’ future

Manchester World reports that fan favourite ‘would be interested’ seeing the terms updated to reflect his full role in the team, in the same way that Marcus Rashford was rewarded with a lucrative new contract last summer which took his wages to around £300,000 a week.

As it stands, the skipper is behind Casemiro, Raphael Varane (out in June), Rashford, Anthony Martial (out in June) and Mason Mount, pocketing £240,000 a week, yet there is a strong case for that Fernandes is the most important of the mix.

However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his entourage are keen to cut staggering wage costs and reduce “total expenses”which makes it highly unlikely that Fernandes will see his salary increase anytime soon.

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