Michael Owen says Michael Carrick must keep Bruno Fernandes at all costs amid reports that contract talks with the Manchester United captain have hit an impasse.

While United have had a difficult start to the new season, winning just once in the Premier League so far, Fernandes’ quality remains unblemished.

The 2025/26 PFA Player of the Year has scored four and assisted one in five games across all competitions, though he did receive criticism for his actions in the Manchester derby loss on Sunday.

The attacking midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season, though United have the option to extend for another year, but it is said that negotiations over a new deal have stalled.

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‘Bruno Fernandes continues to be in talks with Man Utd over a new contract but there is no breakthrough, it’s at an impasse,’ transfer expert David Ornstein told Sky Sports on Sunday.

United were open to letting their talisman go last year after receiving a big money offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, but Fernandes chose to stay at Old Trafford and help the club’s rebuild.

Galatasaray made enquiries last summer but this time the Red Devils were adamant that the Portugal international was not for sale at any price.

However, having just turned 32, questions will inevitably be raised over whether United should look to move on from Fernandes, despite being easily the club’s best signing since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

Speaking to Metro, former United and England striker Owen insists it would be a grave mistake if Fernandes were to leave the club, saying his ability and moreover his experience are irreplaceable.

‘Lots of people talk about ageing players and not giving them new contracts but I just think Bruno Fernandes is such an important part of Manchester United.

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‘I don’t care about his age. If they lost him, then they’d take a massive, massive step back. Obviously, you’ve got to balance the books, the finances are important, but so are the stellar results and he is so important to them.

‘Chelsea are buying players like Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck for experience. You look at certain teams that are doing poorly: No leadership, no experience in a team can have an adverse effect.

‘So, as much as there’s been this massive drive in recent years to go and buy the next young player that brings you value for money and all the rest of it, I think teams have got to be a little bit careful about offloading some of the older players.

‘I’m not talking about Fernandes in this situation, I’m just talking in general. I think you’ve got to be a little bit careful because you can soon be unpicked at the seams.

‘But going back to Fernandes, he brings you that experience in the team and he brings you absolute quality in the team. There’s no questioning that. He’s not regressing in any way.

‘So, if I was Manchester United, I’d be moving heaven and earth to try to keep him.’

Fernandes is likely to skipper his side once more on Wednesday night when United face in-form Brighton in the Carabao Cup third-round.

Michael Owen was speaking with Metro, where the football legend now serves as Casino.org’s ambassador, helping British players compare the best online casinos selected for UK players.

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