Bruno Fernandes: Fabrizio Romano addresses concerns over United star’s contract renewal

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Manchester United are working to upgrade their squad, but Bruno Fernandes remains a vital part of Michael Carrick’s setup at the moment. The Portuguese Magnifico was outstanding last season, breaking the Premier League assist record and helping his team finish third in the league.

Fernandes won the Premier League Player of the Season as well as the FWA Footballer of the Year awards in recognition of his efforts. The 31 year old also bagged his fifth Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year trophy, highlighting his continued importance to the Red Devils.

Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 Season

The English giants have strengthened their squad over the summer, signing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow. Recent reports suggest that they are also close to securing the services of Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.

However, Fernandes has entered the final year of his contract, and while United have initiated talks, a breakthrough is yet to be reached. The situation has added to speculation regarding his future, and a concerning update has now emerged.

Fernandes turns down United offer

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Fernandes has turned down a contract proposal from United. Taking to X, the Sky Sports journalist wrote: “Manchester United have offered Bruno Fernandes a new contract, but the Portuguese midfielder has rejected the proposal.

“The offer included only €500k more per year, which was not enough to convince Fernandes to extend. As things stand, Bruno Fernandes could leave Manchester United as a free agent next summer.”

The situation has understandably caused concern among fans, prompting acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano to provide a clarification.

Bruno remains engaged in negotiations with United

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano insisted that United remain relaxed about the renewal process. He said: “Someone said that Bruno Fernandes rejected a contract proposal from Manchester United and that Bruno could leave on a free transfer in summer 2027. Let me clarify two things on this.”

“First point, leaving on a free. Bruno is out of contract in 2027, but there is an option to extend the contract for one more season. So Manchester United are absolutely protected. The relationship between Bruno and Manchester United is still a very important relationship. Bruno is a United legend, a top player who will stay forever in terms of memory. To leave on bad terms is not Bruno Fernandes’ style.”

“Second, it’s not about rejecting a contract. It’s about negotiating. That’s different. To say no and to say, ‘I want this, you want that, let’s try to find a solution’ are two different things. For sure, Bruno Fernandes and United, while I’m recording this video, don’t have an agreement on the new contract. But Manchester United and Bruno Fernandes are negotiating, and the negotiations are ongoing.”

Romano went on to stress that both parties share a close bond and there is no cause for concern, adding: “The relationship is very good. Bruno is not a normal player. Bruno is the captain of Manchester United. Manchester United are in love with Bruno.”

“Manchester United are finally back into Champions League football, and Bruno will be a big part of the squad. Michael Carrick believes Bruno is a very important player. So there is no reason to create panic or drama around this. There is a negotiation, there is a conversation. Let’s see how it goes.”

The key issues holding up a renewal

Romano went on to point out that there are three key issues holding up Fernandes’ renewal, continuing: “It’s about the salary. Don’t forget that Rashford returned to Manchester United, and so Rashford’s salary is obviously a point. Then there is the length of the contract. That’s an important point.”

“And then there is the release clause, because Bruno has a release clause in his current contract at United of around €65m. Now they have to understand whether to keep the clause, remove the clause, change the numbers, when to activate it, how many years it is valid for. There are so many topics to discuss.”

“That’s not an easy negotiation that takes five seconds to sign a new contract. Bruno is a fantastic player, but he’s no longer 20 years old. Every single contract now becomes important because it’s going to be one of the last two or three contracts of his career. For sure, it’s an important moment. That’s a negotiation. There is no need for panic or drama.”

Final Thoughts

Replacing Bruno Fernandes in the current market would be extremely difficult, so United must do everything possible to ensure that he remains at the club. However, INEOS must also consider their succession plans, with the Portuguese now entering the latter stages of his career.

✅ Reported by a tier-one journalist with a strong Manchester United track record. ✅ TPP has previously reported that Fernandes remains locked in renewal talks. ⚠️ No official confirmation from club.