Bruno Fernandes rejects second Manchester United contract offer as Mauricio Pochettino era looms
Bruno Fernandes has turned down a second contract offer from Manchester United, leaving the club facing a decision on his future.
The Portugal midfielder's current contract expires in June, though United hold an option to extend it by a further 12 months, to 2028. The club are almost certain to trigger that option before the new year if no fresh agreement is reached.
Should his contract not be extended, Fernandes would be free to talk to foreign clubs about a free transfer move from January 1st. The 32-year-old could sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign side ahead of a summer move, though triggering his extension would close that door.
Improved terms not enough
Talks began in the summer, when Fernandes rejected United's first proposal. The Athletic report that the club have since returned with improved terms, with salary and contract length the key sticking points. Further negotiations are expected, and United have made clear they want the midfielder to remain at the club.
United face a difficult situation. Fernandes was named PFA Player of the Year last season after breaking the Premier League's single-season assist record. However, his performances have dipped this season and, at 32, the club are cautious about potential decline. The situation has been compared to Liverpool's new deal for Mohamed Salah in 2025. The Egyptian signed a lucrative two-year deal after a career-best campaign, but left for Trabzonspor in the summer as his performances dropped.
Fernandes has had significant interest from Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Al-Hilal and Galatasaray have both pursued the midfielder in recent transfer windows, though neither activated a €65m release clause that has now expired.
A difficult season under Carrick
Fernandes has endured a tough campaign. He scored a hat-trick against Ipswich earlier in the season, but has struggled to replicate last season's level. He was dropped by Michael Carrick for last month's defeat to Bournemouth, after criticism of the now-departed head coach, in the aftermath of a 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League.
Mauricio Pochettino is set to be announced as United's new head coach on Friday, with talks expected between the Argentine and club captain to resolve his future.
