Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has turned down a second contract proposal from the club as negotiations over his future at Old Trafford remain unresolved.
The Portugal international is currently contracted until the end of the season, with United holding an option to extend his deal by another year until 2028. However, the club would prefer to secure Fernandes on a longer-term agreement rather than rely on the extension clause.
Fernandes has rejected United’s latest offer after talks between the club and his representatives in recent months. If the two sides fail to reach an agreement, United are expected to activate the 12-month extension before January 1 to prevent the midfielder from entering the final six months of his contract.
Once inside that six-month period, Fernandes would be free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England.
The uncertainty surrounding the midfielder’s future comes amid significant changes at Manchester United. Head coach Michael Carrick was dismissed on Thursday after the club endured its poorest start to a domestic campaign in four decades.
Mauricio Pochettino is widely expected to take charge at United, with the former Tottenham boss set to make his debut when the club face Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
Pochettino’s arrival could prove significant in United’s efforts to convince Fernandes to remain at the club. The midfielder was close to joining Tottenham in 2019 during Pochettino’s tenure, although the transfer ultimately fell through before Fernandes moved to Manchester United six months later.
The 32-year-old has remained a key figure for United this season, scoring six goals in 13 appearances across competitions. With his contract situation unresolved, the club will hope the arrival of a new manager can help secure the captain’s long-term commitment.
