Following a masterclass at Old Trafford, the Red Devils are moving swiftly to secure their captain’s future as negotiations begin to extend his stay beyond next summer.
Bruno Fernandes announced himself as back to his very best on Sunday afternoon, netting a stunning hat-trick against Ipswich Town in a 5-2 Premier League win for Manchester United.
The season started poorly for the Reds, who lost 2-0 to Hull on the opening weekend of the campaign, and when Ipswich went a goal up after 30 minutes at Old Trafford, many feared the worst.
However, the United captain struck home emphatically a few minutes before half-time to level the score, and his performance in the second half was mesmerising.
After an own goal from Jacob Greaves handed United a lead early in the second half, 31-year-old then finished a penalty in style to make it 3-1, before a lovely deft effort just minutes later secured him his match ball and a 4-1 lead.
Then, he fed Bryan Mbeumo through to also grab himself an assist, with United running out as 5-2 winners in the rain at Old Trafford.
United open talks for new Fernandes contract
While Fernandes is focused on football, it cannot be ignored that his current contract with the club is set to expire at the end of the season, although the club do have an option to extend this for a further season.
According to MailSport, United have now opened discussions with Fernandes and his representivies surrouding the possiblity of extending his current deal.
The report states that preliminary discussions have taken place between the club and the midfielder's camp to tie him down to a new contract at Old Trafford.
United are said to be adamant that they want their club captain to stay and will try to reach an agreement before the end of the year.
Fernandes hasn't finished at United
After being awarded the PFA Players' Player of the Year award last week, Fernandes' hattrick comes as a timely reminder that he is just as motivated as ever to secure silverware at Old Trafford.
Speaking on the Diary of a CEO podcast earlier this year, Fernandes admitted that a major reason he declined a £200 million contract with Al Hilal is that he has not yet achieved all his dreams with United.
The United captain has won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with United, but has also lost three Europa League finals and an FA Cup final since joining the club.
While all trophies are important, Fernandes will be looking up to the Premier League and Champions League trophies as his aims before he leaves United.
