In a Friday, August 7, 2026 report from GOAL, former Premier League standout Michael Owen has strongly advised Manchester United to exhaust all avenues in securing the long-term commitment of their captain, Bruno Fernandes, at Old Trafford. Owen even suggested that the club might need to “break the rules” to ensure the Portuguese playmaker remains with them.
Fernandes experienced a career-defining season during the 2025-26 campaign, playing an instrumental role in Manchester United’s significant resurgence under the guidance of manager Michael Carrick. His exceptional contributions were pivotal in the Red Devils achieving a commendable third-place finish in the Premier League, thereby securing their coveted return to the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
The 31-year-old midfielder also etched his name in the record books with his remarkable goal-creating prowess. He delivered an astonishing 21 assists in the Premier League alone, surpassing the previous benchmark of 20 assists, a feat jointly held by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and Manchester City’s midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne. This historic assist tally underscored his unparalleled vision and playmaking ability.
This period of outstanding performance has dramatically shifted the narrative surrounding Fernandes’ future. Merely months prior, Manchester United had reportedly been open to the prospect of a transfer, with significant interest emanating from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. However, his subsequent displays of brilliance have unequivocally established him as one of the club’s most indispensable assets.
Currently, Fernandes’ contract with Manchester United is set to expire in 2027, with the club holding an option to extend his tenure by an additional year. Nevertheless, Owen believes that the Red Devils should go above and beyond these existing contractual arrangements. He advocates for the club to offer their captain a new, extended long-term deal, irrespective of any age-related considerations.
In his conversation with GOAL, Owen articulated that Manchester United should not permit conventional contractual stipulations to impede their efforts to retain a player who remains absolutely central to the club’s ongoing ambitions and strategic direction. He emphasized, “If I was Manchester United, I would absolutely do everything.” Owen further elaborated on the potential conflict with standard practices, stating, “There are rules and regulations and things like that. Things that you think, ‘well, he’s a certain age and you shouldn’t be paying this, you shouldn’t be giving long contracts’. But sometimes, a player is just so important that you have to break the rules.”
Discover more from Headline Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
