Manchester United are continuing discussions over a new Bruno Fernandes contract, but there is still no expectation of a swift breakthrough, with TeamTalk reporting that one key concern remains at the centre of negotiations.

The broad picture is clear. United want to keep their captain, Fernandes wants clarity over his future, and there is no indication that a separation is being contemplated. Yet the finer points matter, especially when the player in question is already among the club’s highest earners and is entering a stage of his career where every extra year in a contract carries greater scrutiny.

As it stands, Fernandes has under 12 months left on his current deal, although United retain an option to extend that arrangement until 2028. That existing mechanism gives the club a degree of control, but the current discussions appear focused on something longer and more secure. The report states United are willing to go beyond that point, with a contract that could run until 2029 and include an option for a further year.

The central obstacle is described as the question of “how long United are prepared to commit to Fernandes”, which is a significant consideration for any club making a major financial promise to a player in his thirties. Fernandes turns 33 this week, and while his importance remains obvious, age is shaping the negotiation.

One particularly interesting detail in the report is that “a longer-term agreement” is being explored with “an appearance-based clause”, allowing the contract length to increase automatically depending on his involvement. That would represent a pragmatic middle ground, rewarding availability and sustained contribution while giving Manchester United some protection against natural decline in the latter years.

It is also notable that claims around Marcus Rashford’s salary influencing these talks have reportedly been dismissed as “nonsensical”. From the club side, this appears to be less about dressing room comparison and more about risk management.

United’s position, according to the report, is firm in one respect. “There is no question of United wanting to move Fernandes on.” That line is important, because it underlines how highly he is still valued internally. Fernandes “remains central to United’s plans” and the objective is to strike a balance that rewards him appropriately while safeguarding the club over the back end of the deal.

The caution is understandable. The article points to concern over “how long Fernandes can continue performing at the very highest level”, with age “an important factor in the negotiations”. For a club still trying to impose greater discipline on recruitment and salary structure, those are exactly the types of questions executives are expected to ask.