Fernandes Rejects Second United Contract Offer

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has rejected a second contract offer from the club, adding to the uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford as the Red Devils struggle through a difficult season.

According to BBC Sport, the 32-year-old Portugal international has turned down United’s latest proposal despite months of negotiations between the club and his representatives.

Fernandes’ current contract expires at the end of the season, although United retain the option of extending his stay by another 12 months until 2028.

The club are expected to activate that clause before 1 January if negotiations fail to produce an agreement, preventing Fernandes from entering the final six months of his contract and negotiating a pre-contract deal with an overseas club.

The uncertainty comes during a turbulent period for United, who dismissed head coach Michael Carrick on Thursday following their worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years.

United States national team coach Mauricio Pochettino is widely expected to replace Carrick, with his first match potentially coming against Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November.

United reportedly hope Pochettino’s appointment could convince Fernandes to commit his future to the club. The Portuguese midfielder nearly joined Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur in 2019 before eventually moving to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon.

Despite United’s struggles, Fernandes has scored six goals in 13 appearances this season. However, his reported reluctance to accept a new deal could reflect growing frustration over the club’s inability to compete consistently for major trophies.

Fernandes previously attracted interest from Saudi Pro League clubs but is believed to favour remaining in European football.

United, meanwhile, face a difficult financial decision over whether to offer a lucrative long-term contract to a player entering the later stages of his career.

Although Fernandes enjoyed an outstanding previous campaign, breaking the Premier League assists record and collecting major individual honours, his performances this season have fallen below those standards.

With negotiations unresolved and managerial changes continuing at Old Trafford, Fernandes’ future could depend heavily on whether United’s next head coach can restore the club’s competitiveness.