Sources: Man United's updated Bruno Fernandes plan revealed

Man United are planning to trigger the one-year extension in Bruno Fernandes' contract in the coming months, sources have told Football Insider.

An air of uncertainty lingers over Fernandes' future at Old Trafford as he nears the end of his initial contract.

Rumours of a possible move to Saudi Arabia have been rife since he entered the last year of his deal in June.

The Portuguese playmaker remains Michael Carrick's most important player, proving his quality last weekend against Ipswich.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the Red Devils are keen to trigger the clause in his contract that ties him down for another year until June 2028.

They are set to enter talks with his representatives over a new longer-term deal, but still have the option to fall back on for the time being.

Bruno Fernandes set for longer Man United stay as decision put into his hands

Sources revealed to Football Insider last month that United had no plans to let Fernandes leave towards the end of the summer window after Galatasaray registered their interest in his services.

The onus will be on him to push for a move in the next 12 months before his United contract is automatically extended.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Yeah, look, it'd be a no-brainer to tie down Bruno Fernandes to a new contract. He is undoubtedly United's best player, and he proved that again last weekend with that superb hat-trick against Ipswich.

"He's also the PFA Player of the Year and FWA Player of the Year, so it just shows how good a player he is, and look, he is the heartbeat of that side. He is going into his final year of his contract at Old Trafford, but United do have an option on that as well, which I'm sure they'll take up."

What has Carrick said about Fernandes' situation?

Fernandes turns 32 next week and United's top earner, so it remains to be seen how talks over a new longer contract will pan out in the coming months.

Carrick has not hidden his affection for the playmaker, who has registered 23 goal contributions in 22 games since his appointment in January.

The Red Devils boss declined to comment about his contract or transfer situation when asked last month, but did admit that he wants Fernandes to stay as long as possible.

He said: "Listen, we want top players. Every good team has players that have made a major impact. That's how it is. Bruno has had that for a period of time here. We want to keep pushing and want to get the best out of Bruno and the team around him.

"He's been so positive since I came back. As much as the performances, it's how he has been around the group, how he leads and takes time to help others, especially the younger players. That comes into play."