'As I understand it' - Man United's contract offer to Bruno Fernandes revealed by insider

Manchester United are hoping to tie down Bruno Fernandes to a new contract that would see him stay at the club until at least 2028.

That is according to experienced former Aston Villa, Everton and Tottenham scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 32-year-old's current deal is set to expire next summer but with the option of an additional year, with talks over a new deal said to be at an impasse.

Fernandes broke the Premier League's assist record last season but has seriously struggled to recapture that form in the new campaign, with Man United having won just one of their opening seven league games.

Michael Carrick, who was appointed in the summer following a strong spell as interim manager, already finds himself under mounting pressure at Old Trafford.

Fernandes was close to leaving Man United in 2025 when Al Hilal offered a substantial fee for his services, but he ultimately turned down the move.

'Bruno Fernandes is Man United's best player'

Fernandes will undoubtedly go down among Man United's best players of the recent generations, but he has never been able to lead his team to the Premier League title.

The midfielder is yet to win a league title anywhere in his career, and may well have to leave if that is to change before he retires.

Man United will attempt to convince Fernandes otherwise, but they now find themselves in a time-sensitive situation that must be resolved before the end of the season.

"Well, I know Al Hilal are interested. The contract runs out in 2027, next year and what they want to do is give him an extension to June 2028," King told Football Insider.

"Then with a three-year option, as I understand it. Personally, I think that he could have gone as far with Manchester United as he can go. In the last five years, he's been their best player.

"He won the Sir Matt Busby Award for the player of the season [for the fifth consecutive year]. He has been consistently central in anything Manchester United have achieved, really.

"His deliveries from free kicks or corners and passing, opening up defences, he's been a top, top player. But I sometimes look at him and I think, 'well, is he enjoying his football?'

"There are definitely days when he doesn't enjoy his football, looking at his face. But at the moment, of course, he is a central part of Man United. Whether they could afford to let him move on, personally, I don't think so."

Issues behind scenes at Man United

In startling footage, Fernandes told reporters that he was "not allowed" to speak to the press following Sunday's 1-1 draw with Leeds United.

The comments came following Lisandro Martinez's outburst after last week's defeat to Atletico Madrid.

"We did a fantastic season last season and now we expect more from the top, more players to compete because many teams bring many players as well," the centre-back had said.

"Atletico have an amazing team and they deserved to win today. I expect more [investment]. 100%. I expect more from our technical director [Jason Wilcox]. I have to be honest, as players we have to do more but it is also important when you make a strong squad to be ready for this kind of night."

He was later fined, with Fernandes' comment suggesting that the sentiment is not an uncommon one in the dressing room.