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Michael Owen has explained why Manchester United need to “break the rules” when it comes to Bruno Fernandes, saying it is vital that the Old Trafford captain signs a new contract. The Portuguese playmaker, who made Premier League history last season, has still not agreed an extension on terms that are currently due to run until the summer of 2027.

Fernandes at Manchester United: assist record and five Player of the Year awards

That agreement does include a 12-month option that can be activated by the Red Devils, giving them extra time to find common ground with their skipper, but the hope is that all parties can reach a settlement over the next few weeks.

With the 2026-27 season drawing closer, and Fernandes back in training after his involvement with Portugal at the World Cup finals, the ideal outcome would be for an announcement to arrive before competitive club football starts again.

Fernandes registered 21 assists for United in the Premier League last season, taking the record away from Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne, and those numbers only underlined how valuable he is to the team.

He will turn 32 in early September and has been at the so-called ‘Theatre of Dreams’ since January 2020, but he remains a talismanic figure for the Red Devils, with five Player of the Year awards to his name.

Manchester United urged to break contract rules for captain Fernandes

Previous interest from the Saudi Pro League was turned away, even though United appeared open to a sale at one stage, and the club are now trying to ward off further attention. The Red Devils are being told they must rethink their usual approach when it comes to talks with players over the age of 30.

Owen shares that view, with the former United striker and Premier League title winner saying of the need to get a contract extension completed: “If I was Manchester United, I would absolutely do everything.

“There are rules and regs and things like that. Things that you think, ‘well, he's X amount age-wise and you shouldn't be paying this, you shouldn't be giving long contracts, you shouldn't do this’. But sometimes, a player is just so important, so important, that I just think sometimes you have to break the rules.

“If I was Manchester United, I wouldn't be able to bear going into the season without him. He's just that important. Forget his age, forget everything else. He’s just a must if Manchester United are going to continue their progression.”

Will Fernandes be remembered as a Manchester United legend?

Fernandes has made 327 appearances for United and scored 107 goals. He has been club captain since 2023, and has FA Cup and Carabao Cup success on his CV. However, more will still be needed for him to fully secure legendary status.

Another former Red Devils player, Mikael Silvestre, accepts that, with the Frenchman saying: “He's a key player and I was happy that he decided not to go to Saudi and stay with United, stick with the club in a difficult moment in the transition.

“He's been here for a number of years, but despite the adversity, he delivered and he was the best player of the league last season. So it's very important that he stays and continues to help the team progress.

“Steven Gerrard is a great at Liverpool, he's never won a Premier League title. He has won the Champions League. It would be nice, but his footprint at United is already big.

“I would say that he needs to have a title, whether it's the league or the Champions League, to become something really special for the supporters, for the history of the club. It's something to be part of a club in a successful time, but you have to win titles.”

Trophy chase: Red Devils targeting domestic and European honours

United are hoping to challenge for the biggest trophies in the coming season, having seen Michael Carrick guide them back into the Champions League. The Red Devils have also reduced the gap to the domestic title challengers.

However, transfer activity has been relatively slow and more signings will be needed - while also trying to persuade Fernandes to remain where he is - if they are to land the very biggest prizes.