Bruno Fernandes rejects second contract offer as United sit bottom of Premier League

Bruno Fernandes has rejected Manchester United’s second contract offer, casting serious doubt over the long-term future of the club’s captain at Old Trafford, according to a report by The Athletic.

Fernandes’ current deal runs until June 2027, but United are keen to extend his stay on fresh terms. Talks between his representatives and the club have been ongoing since the summer, yet no compromise has been reached on either salary or contract length. If the deadlock persists, the 32-year-old will be entitled to open negotiations with foreign clubs in January ahead of a potential free transfer when his contract expires on 30 June.

United do hold an option to extend his deal by 12 months and are understood to want him to remain. However, the club’s wider instability is unlikely to help their cause. The news arrives on the same day United sacked Michael Carrick, with the club now pushing to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as his replacement. Pochettino has already agreed personal terms, and United will pay his £7.4 million release clause to bring the former Tottenham manager to Old Trafford.

Fernandes has been one of United’s most important players since joining from Sporting Lisbon for £47 million in January 2020, contributing 113 goals and 111 assists across 341 appearances. He has captained the side since the summer of 2023. Yet the team’s form this season has been dire — United are 18th in the Premier League after winning just one of their opening ten league matches — and that context makes retaining key players considerably harder.

Last summer, Fernandes turned down a £200 million package from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal to remain at the club. At the time, he was emphatic about his commitment. “It’s not a question of loyalty,” he said in May. “I could have gone two years ago, I could have gone three years ago, I could have gone last season, but I really like to be here. The joy and everything I get — the day I get what I want from this club, I don’t think I will get that from any other club in the world.”

Whether that sentiment holds as United’s season deteriorates and contract talks stall remains to be seen. Incoming manager Pochettino may find resolving the Fernandes situation one of his most pressing tasks.