Manchester United appear ready to reward Bruno Fernandes for another outstanding spell at Old Trafford. The Portugal midfielder is reportedly in line for a new contract that could make him the highest-paid player at the club.
Fernandes has become increasingly difficult to replace in Manchester United’s squad. His influence was on full display again on Sunday when he scored a hat-trick during the 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford.
The performance came only days after Fernandes was named PFA Player of the Year, adding another major individual achievement to an already impressive period of his career.
Now, Manchester United are reportedly preparing another improved contract for their captain.
Manchester United Ready to Reward Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United have previously renewed Fernandes’ contract in 2022 and 2024.
Both agreements extended the length of his deal by one year, while also bringing significant improvements to his salary.
The latest proposal could take that process a step further.
According to a report from The Sun on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, Fernandes could receive around £350,000 per week under a potential new agreement.
That would represent an increase from his current reported salary of approximately £300,000 per week.
The potential deal would also place Fernandes at the top of Manchester United’s wage structure.
The reported figures highlight how highly the club now values the midfielder.
Fernandes Could Become United’s Highest-Paid Player
Manchester United have been attempting to manage their wage structure more carefully in recent years.
However, Fernandes’ performances have made his situation different.
The midfielder has consistently remained one of the club’s most important players, while his latest achievements have strengthened the argument for another salary increase.
Under the reported proposal, Fernandes could earn:
- Current reported salary: around £300,000 per week.
- Potential new salary: around £350,000 per week.
- Potential weekly increase: approximately £50,000.
- Potential annual basic salary: around £18.2 million before bonuses.
The figures underline the scale of the proposed reward.
Fernandes would move above Marcus Rashford, who is currently reported to earn around £325,000 per week. Rashford, however, has spent much of the last 18 months away from Manchester before returning to the Manchester United squad.
Another Major Award for Fernandes
The potential new contract comes at a time when Fernandes is enjoying one of the strongest periods of his Manchester United career.
His latest recognition came when he was named PFA Player of the Year.
That award followed another major individual honour from the Football Writers’ Association, which named Fernandes its Player of the Year during the middle of last season.
His performances were also reflected in the Premier League record books, with Fernandes setting a new record for assists in a single season.
He then added another personal milestone in May by winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for the fifth time.
His list of recent achievements includes:
- PFA Player of the Year.
- Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year.
- Premier League single-season assist record.
- Fifth Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award.
- A hat-trick against Ipswich Town.
That collection of achievements explains why Manchester United are reportedly willing to reconsider their approach to his salary.
The Hat-Trick Against Ipswich Underlined His Importance
Fernandes produced another statement performance in Manchester United’s 5-2 win over Ipswich Town.
The Portuguese midfielder scored three times, including an important equaliser before United took control after the break.
His contribution was more than just the goals.
Fernandes has regularly been relied upon to create chances, dictate attacking moves and provide leadership from midfield.
For a club looking to build consistency, having a player capable of influencing matches in several ways is a major asset.
His latest performance therefore arrived at an ideal time, strengthening the argument that Manchester United should secure his long-term future.
Fernandes Once Faced Saudi Arabia Interest
There was a period when Fernandes’ future at Old Trafford was far less certain.
Clubs from Saudi Arabia were reportedly interested in signing the Manchester United captain, with a transfer fee of around £80 million being discussed.
However, then-manager Ruben Amorim rejected the possibility of allowing Fernandes to leave.
The decision ultimately proved significant.
Fernandes remained at Manchester United and continued to play a major role in the club’s performances. His influence also became an important part of the team’s improvement under Michael Carrick last season.
Instead of becoming another high-profile departure, Fernandes remained at the centre of Manchester United’s project.
Gary Neville Gives Fernandes Huge Praise
Fernandes’ importance has also been recognised by former Manchester United defender Gary Neville.
Following the midfielder’s performance against Ipswich, Neville described Fernandes as Manchester United’s best signing since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club.
Neville highlighted Fernandes’ courage, confidence and outstanding goal and assist numbers.
That assessment reflects the wider perception of Fernandes at Old Trafford.
While the midfielder has faced criticism at various points during his Manchester United career, his production has remained difficult to ignore.
His ability to consistently contribute goals and assists has made him one of the most influential players in the squad.
What a New Contract Would Mean for Manchester United
A new Bruno Fernandes contract would represent more than simply a salary increase.
It would also send a clear message about the club’s priorities.
By making Fernandes the highest-paid player, Manchester United would be recognising his importance both on and off the pitch.
The potential agreement could also provide greater certainty around the future of the club captain.
For Fernandes, meanwhile, another improved contract would represent the latest reward for maintaining a high level of performance at Old Trafford.
Manchester United Want Fernandes at the Centre of Their Plans
Bruno Fernandes has already established himself as one of Manchester United’s most important players.
His latest run of individual awards, record-breaking numbers and match-winning performances has only strengthened that status.
Now, Manchester United are reportedly considering another contract improvement that could take his weekly salary to around £350,000.
If the agreement is completed on those reported terms, Fernandes would become the club’s highest-paid player.
For United, the message would be clear: their captain remains central to the project.
And after another spectacular performance against Ipswich, Fernandes is giving the club plenty of reasons to make that commitment.
ALSO READ :
