'He is serious'... Bruno Fernandes future at Manchester United looks obvious, says pundit

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes’ future has recently become subject of speculation.

A stunning assist in the FA Cup Final win over Manchester City highlighted the quality Bruno Fernandes brings to the Manchester United team.

Fernandes, club captain, produced a leader’s performance which even prompted club legend Roy Keane into a U-turn by admitting the Portugal star had proved him wrong.

But rarely is life straightforward at Manchester United, and there is now speculation over the midfielder’s future.

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Bruno Fernandes agent in talks elsewhere

Bruno Fernandes’ agent has been holding talks with Barcelona and Bayern Munich, reports Fabrizio Romano.

This does create some uncertainty over the playmaker’s future, but do Manchester United actually have to worry?

Fernandes’ future was a topic of discussion on TalkSport (3/6), with former Ireland midfielder Andy Townsend insisting he believes Fernandes will stay put at Old Trafford.

He said: “That would be pretty disastrous for United fans right now, and I am sure they are not even contemplating.

“And it would have to be something incredible, and probably it would have down to the fact if Bruno turns around and says, ‘I want to go’. I don’t actually think that’s going to happen at this point.

” I genuinely wouldn’t have heard him speak about how much he wants to stay and be part of a really successful Man United. I honestly feel like he is serious there and I think he wants to stay and try to be part of its turnaround.”

Fernandes has been clear on his future

Speaking recently to the Player’s Tribune, Bruno Fernandes made clear he is keen to stay – but did want the club to match his ambition.

He said: “I love to step out at Old Trafford more than anything in the world. I don’t want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream.

“I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club. If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league. We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals. That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve.

“I just want to keep fighting. I want to be here. My family wants to be here.”

New contract possible for Fernandes

So what are these talks with Fernandes’ agent and Bayern Munich and Barcelona all about?

The most likely option is that it is a leverage attempt to try to secure a new contract for the midfielder.

Fernandes’ current deal expires in June 2026, although the club do have an option to extend to 2027.

The midfielder is among the best paid players at the club, but may want more longer-term security.

Fernandes is currently 29, so United will want to get the details of any new deal right, but as Townsend points out, losing him in the short-term could be ‘disastrous’.