Credit: Imago

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Thu 5 March 2026 6:30, UK

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Manchester United are planning contract talks with club captain Bruno Fernandes for after this summer’s World Cup, sources have told Football Insider.

The attacking midfielder is expected to have his full focus on representing his country in the first half of the summer break, but the Red Devils are still keen to try and tie him down to a new deal.

The Old Trafford outfit are on course to secure Champions League qualification for next term, and sources say that the financial boost that would come with a top-four finish will play a key role in their ability to keep Fernandes.

United are making transfer plans for next term already, and they are desperate to keep the 31-year-old around to ensure that they don’t have to contemplate the idea of trying to find a replacement for him.

Michael Carrick appointment to keep Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday that Fernandes is happy to stay at Man United, provided that interim manager Michael Carrick is handed the job on a full-time basis.

The 44-year-old has currently won six of his opening seven Premier League games since taking on the role, and the skipper is keen to see his strong start in the dugout rewarded by the board.

Fernandes wants to see the Red Devils match his ambitions in the game, but the early stages of Carrick’s tenure have shown that they could be well-placed to challenge for trophies under his guidance.

The former Middlesbrough boss is currently the heavy favourite to be named as the club’s next permanent manager in the summer, and as a result, that could have a positive effect in regards to their ability to keep Fernandes around.

The Portuguese has continually been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in recent seasons, and the United hierarchy will know that clubs in the Pro League will be able to match their financial capabilities and more.

Man United could be set for £29m end-of-season boost

Football Insider revealed earlier this week that Man United could be in line to net an additional £29million at the end of the season, provided that they hang on to finish third in the Premier League.

The English top flight has a significant discrepancy between places when it comes to prize money at the end of a campaign, and Carrick’s men could be set to reap the benefits from that.

Their 15th-placed finish last term saw them land £136.2m from the league, while third-placed Manchester City headed into the summer with £165.5m.

It is understood that the league haven’t altered the structure of their end-of-season payouts at all for this season, so United could stand to earn an additional £29m compared to last season, as things stand.

That could yet get even better if Carrick’s side could make an unlikely bid to chase down their city rivals and finish second, but for now at least, they will be focusing on ensuring that they consolidate their current spot.