Manchester United 'make another payment on Bruno Fernandes transfer' over three years after he signed

Manchester United have paid another instalment to Sporting Lisbon for the transfer of Bruno Fernandes, it has been reported.

Fernandes signed for United in January 2020 from the Portuguese giants, and quickly became a cult hero at Old Trafford.

His first full season in Manchester saw him net 28 goals in 58 appearances in all competitions as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side finished second in the Premier League and reached the Europa League final.

The Portugal midfielder's goal returns have diminished in the past two seasons, but he remains an important part of the side under Erik ten Hag and has been entrusted with the captaincy when club skipper Harry Maguire is not playing.

This campaign, Fernandes has been directly involved in 25 goals in all competitions, with Marcus Rashford (38) the only United player ahead of him.

United paid an initial fee of £47 million for the player's services, with achievable add-ons also in place - and one of those add-ons has reportedly been triggered after the club qualified for next season's Champions League.

Man Utd 'pay Fernandes instalment'

Portuguese outlet Record say that United have now paid Sporting a further €10 million (around £8.6 million) in instalments since Fernandes' move in 2020.

It is reported that a payment €5 million was made when the 28-year-old reached 25 appearances for his new club, with another €5 million centred around Champions League qualification.

The structure of the payments is said to have been based around three separate qualifications for Europe's top club competition, with €3 million paid for the first and €1 million each paid on the next two occasions.

United finished in the Premier League's top four in each of Fernandes' first two seasons at Old Trafford, but missed out entirely last season after a disappointing campaign.

But they are now back at Europe's top table, and although that means a small payment to Sporting, the financial benefits compared to playing Europa League football next season are far greater.

Record report that another €15 million (£13 million) of instalments are still payable to Sporting, which are based on Fernandes lifting the Champions League and winning the Ballon d'Or whilst a United player.