ESPN reported recently that the Red Devils are optimistic in the Portuguese midfielder's ability to agree to a new contract after the current international break has ended.

United paid a record £57 million for the 27-year-services old's in 2020, when he left Sporting Lisbon for the Red Devils.

In the two years after his arrival in Manchester, the 27-year-old has established himself as one of the club's most valuable assets.

Since joining the club in 2011, the Portugal international has appeared in 117 games across all competitions, and has personally contributed to 88 goals, establishing himself as a stand-in captain in the process.

It's understandable that the Manchester United leadership is eager to reach an arrangement with the commanding midfielder on a new contract that would almost certainly ensure that he devotes his prime years to the club in the coming years.

Despite the fact that nothing is written in stone just yet, the newest reports give the United faithful great reason to believe that their number 18 will sign on the signed line in the near future.

When Fernandes returns from Portugal's next international match against North Macedonia on March 29, a decision might be made before Manchester United's next match against Leicester City on April 2 if talks are progressing smoothly.

Were we wrong to believe Fernandes was right?
There has been a lot of speculation regarding who will become Manchester United's next permanent manager in recent weeks.

Ajax's Erik ten Hag and Tottenham Hotspur's Mauricio Pochettino are among the names on the Red Devils' shortlist for next season's managerial position. According to MEN, the Red Devils have cut their search down to just a few candidates, including Ralf Rangnick, the temporary manager.

As a result of the recent reports that Fernandes is on the verge of signing a new contract, fans can reasonably infer that the club has a clear idea of who will be in control next season.

The signing of a new contract by Fernandes would be counterproductive as long as the club's long-term leadership is uncertain. As a result, committing to new terms after receiving sufficient assurances would be the most logical course of action.

Ten Hag appears to be the frontrunner to take over in the Old Trafford hot seat, but until the club makes an official announcement, fans will be forced to speculate over who will become the club's fifth permanent manager since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down in 2013.