Manchester United’s discussions over a new contract for Bruno Fernandes remain unresolved, with salary, the length of the agreement and the treatment of a reported release clause still under consideration. According to Fabrizio Romano, Marcus Rashford’s return to the club has added another factor to negotiations because of his substantial salary.

Fernandes’s existing contract runs until 30 June 2027, with United holding an option to extend it for a further season. The club announced those terms in August 2024, giving United a degree of protection while discussions over a longer-term agreement continue.

Romano said on the Here We Go Podcast that United were still speaking with Fernandes’s agent and that no agreement had been reached. He stressed that the discussions were not solely about pay: the duration of the contract and the future of the midfielder’s release clause were also relevant.

“Since Marcus Rashford returned to Manchester United with a huge salary, obviously the structure has changed again,” Romano said. His assessment suggests Rashford’s remuneration is part of the context for Fernandes’s negotiations, but does not establish a club-confirmed salary ceiling or prove that talks have broken down.

An earlier report attributed to Sacha Tavolieri claimed Fernandes had rejected an opening proposal that would have increased his earnings by €500,000 a year. Subsequent commentary distinguished that reported rejection from a collapse in negotiations, describing discussions as ongoing.

The reported release clause adds another dimension. Romano has put its value at approximately €65 million, with its future treatment among the issues requiring agreement. United have not publicly disclosed that provision in their announcement of Fernandes’s current contract.

There are also indications that Fernandes would prefer to remain at Old Trafford. Reporting attributed to journalist Dean Jones says that staying has been his recent preference, although that does not amount to agreement on new terms.

The immediate picture is therefore one of continuing negotiations rather than a confirmed impasse. United’s extension option gives them contractual flexibility, while both sides still need to settle the financial and structural terms of any new deal.