Manchester United have paused contract talks with Bruno Fernandes | OneFootball

Manchester United have paused contract discussions with club captain Bruno Fernandes, according to the Mirror.

Fernandes is approaching the final 12 months of his current contract, which includes an option to extend for an additional year.

While entering the final stages of a star player’s contract usually triggers anxiety at top clubs, Old Trafford officials are remaining calm about the situation.

Before heading to represent Portugal at the World Cup, the ‘outstanding‘ Fernandes held direct talks with senior United figures.

The 31-year-old playmaker delivered substantial reassurances to the club, making it explicitly clear that he has no intention of seeking a move away from Manchester.

This mutual understanding has allowed United to shift their immediate focus entirely towards recruiting new talent, with Atalanta’s Ederson set to be the first arrival.

United plan to revisit the contract situation later in the year and expect to formally open talks regarding a long-term deal for their influential number eight before the close of 2026.

By pushing the negotiations into the autumn, INEOS and the recruitment team can concentrate maximum resources on immediate squad upgrades without the distraction of protracted contract stand-offs.

Fernandes enjoyed arguably his best season last time out, where he broke the record for the most Premier League assists in a campaign.

He is expected to play a key role for Portugal this summer, but United are confident his performances will not trigger interest from elsewhere.