Man United transfer news: Midfielder 'pens' new contract ahead of new season

When the new footballing operations team was put together at Old Trafford earlier this year, one of the priorities was finding a resolution with the club captain.

With the Portugal international's current terms due to expire in 2026, it became imperative that discussions were held to determine how both parties would progress forward.

Although the 29-year-old has reiterated his commitment to United on numerous occasions, he has also added that he and the club's owners needed to be on the same wavelength.

Reports suggested that there was interest from the Saudi Pro League with any one of the PIF-owned clubs a realistic destination for the playmaker.

Instead, it appears that United are on the brink of revealing that they have successfully negotiated a renewal with their star man.

Fernandes to sign contract on Wednesday

As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Fernandes will be signing his new deal with United on Wednesday ahead of a formal announcement coming in due course.

Fernandes has reportedly agreed to extend his contract by a further 12 months to 2027, with United having a one-year option.

Should Fernandes see out that deal, it would take him to eight years at the Theatre of Dreams, the hope being that he will add to the EFL Cup and FA Cups that have been won across the last two seasons.

The subsequent announcement is in line to come just two days before United play host to Fulham in the opening game of the 2024-25 Premier League.

Pivotal week for United?

Tying Fernandes - a player who 79 goals and 67 assists from 234 appearances in a United shirt - to a new contract would arguably represent United's best piece of business during the summer.

That said, it would come on the back of two fresh faces in the form of Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt arriving from Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening.

Erik ten Hag has now strengthened his squad with four players - the others being Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee - who could all be first-choice picks when fit.

United officials must now turn their attention to outgoings, with sales required if they want to complete more notable business over the next two-and-a-half weeks.