Bruno Fernandes is close to agreeing a new Manchester United contract after a breakthrough in talks last week. Subject to final details, the midfielder will sign a deal to 2026 or more likely 2027. The midfielder joined United from Sporting in January 2020 on a five-and-a-half-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year, so the new proposal is less about extending his stay than increasing his pay after a largely impressive impact. The 27-year-old’s form has dipped this season but United, who opened discussions last July, regard him as a key part of their future and Fernandes is happy to commit despite uncertainty over who will take over from Ralf Rangnick as manager and whether the club will compete in next season’s Champions League. United held talks this week with Ajax’s Erik ten Hag as they continue their search for Rangnick’s successor and will speak to other candidates including Mauricio Pochettino of Paris Saint-Germain. Fernandes started for Portugal on Thursday in their World Cup playoff semi-final against Turkey. United’s next game is at home to Leicester on 2 April.