Fernandes rejects new United deal as Pochettino closes in on Old Trafford role

Bruno Fernandes has rejected a new contract offer from Manchester United, casting doubt over the captain’s future at Old Trafford at the same moment the club moves to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as head coach.

United parted ways with Michael Carrick on Thursday morning after a dismal run of Premier League form left the club 18th in the table with just one win from their opening ten matches — their worst start to a season in 40 years. The club released a statement thanking the 45-year-old, describing him as a “Manchester United legend”, while signalling an intent to name a successor quickly.

Pochettino is widely expected to leave his role as head coach of the United States national team to take the position, having previously built strong reputations at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. Prising him from his current contract, which runs until 2030, will cost United approximately £7.4 million via a release clause, with a further £1.5 million potentially required to bring his coaching staff with him.

The timing of Fernandes’s contract rejection adds an immediate complication for the incoming manager. The Portuguese midfielder has been one of United’s most influential players in recent seasons, and his refusal of fresh terms raises the prospect of a departure in the near future, leaving Pochettino with a narrowing window to work with him at Carrington.

United’s hierarchy will be hoping to resolve both situations swiftly — confirming Pochettino’s appointment and reopening dialogue with Fernandes — as the club looks to arrest a slide that has left them rooted to the foot of the Premier League table.