United were prepared to sell Fernandes to Al Nassr amid an £80million offer but the club captain was convinced to stay by then-head coach Ruben Amorim.
Club figures have this time stressed to Fernandes that they do not want him to leave under any circumstances.
United were spurred into action after Fernandes told Portuguese broadcasters Canal 11 in December that he was “hurt” by the club’s willingness to cash in on him.
Fernandes was told by United’s decision-makers that the club want him to be at the centre of a successful United side.
United sources believe the mid-season approach has partially contributed to Fernandes’ fabulous form.
The 31-year-old is the frontrunner for the PFA Player of the Year award.
Fernandes’ contract includes a release clause of €65million (£56.5m) that can be triggered by an overseas club.
However, the Portugal international has expressed his happiness at United in recent weeks and the club hierarchy believe his future should be assured with Champions League qualification.
United are third in the Premier League and the top five qualify for the Champions League.
Fernandes is under contract at United until next year but the club has the option of an additional year.
United goalkeeper Senne Lammens indicated Fernandes was intent on staying at the club beyond this season after the 1-0 win at Chelsea on Saturday.
“He’s not always the most vocal. He’s heard when he needs to be, especially before big games,” Lammens said.
“Or when we have maybe more difficulties he’s also someone who’s very, very hard on himself and on everybody else.
“That’s why maybe sometimes he can look a little bit frustrated when it’s not going our way.
“But that’s also the way it has to be at this level, I think, because he wants to win Champions Leagues and he wants to win the Premier League.
“So that’s what he’s thinking about and that’s what tries to give us as well.
“He tries to take us to his level as well, so he’s a leader on and off the pitch.
“He’s very demanding of course. But he also knows that in the Premier League, in the way we are, you can win and lose some games.
“The most important thing is always how you react to it.”
Fernandes joined United from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 in a £67.7m deal.