Manchester United plan to tell Bruno Fernandes that they want to keep the midfielder at Old Trafford as they plan talks with the player ahead of the World Cup, according to ESPN.

Fernandes came close to an Old Trafford exit last summer after Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal made a lucrative offer for the midfielder.

The 31-year-old rejected the advances of the Saudi outfit but interested parties are expected to return for the former Sporting CP star at the end of the season.

United are willing to allow Fernandes the chance to decide his next step but are hoping they can convince their captain to remain in Manchester.

United want a decision ahead of the World Cup

However, United will ask for an indication on the player’s future from Fernandes and his representatives prior to the World Cup later this year.

Fernandes is currently contracted to Old Trafford until 2027, with the option to extend his stay by a further year.

United, though, will undergo another transitional summer following Ruben Amorim’s departure earlier this month, which hinders the club’s hopes of retaining their captain’s services.

Michael Carrick has taken over the Old Trafford reins until the end of the season, where United will appoint Amorim’s permanent successor.

Premier League side keen to formalise summer transfer plans

Fernandes is hoping to make a decision after the World Cup in the summer, but United are keen to formalise their transfer plans before the tournament kicks off.

The club are expected to strengthen their midfield in the off-season, with Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba all targets for the Manchester powerhouse.

One player who is expected to stay at Old Trafford, however, is Kobbie Mainoo, who played the full 90 minutes on his first league start of the season last time out.

Mainoo was heavily linked with a move away from United this month, but Amorim’s exit has seen the 20-year-old come back into favour.