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Bruno Fernandes Turns Down Second Contract Offer from Manchester United

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has turned down the club's second attempt to extend his contract. His current agreement is set to expire at the end of this season, but the club holds an option for a 12-month extension running through 2028.

The 32-year-old Portuguese midfielder has been in ongoing discussions with Manchester United, as the club aims to secure his future without activating the extension clause. Yet, sources close to BBC Sport confirm Fernandes rejected the latest offer presented to him.

If no new deal is reached, Manchester United will likely activate the extension before January 1, allowing Fernandes to negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs once he enters the final six months of his deal.

Managerial Changes and Contract Talks

The timing of these contract talks coincides with significant changes at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick was dismissed as head coach following the club’s worst domestic start in four decades. Mauricio Pochettino, currently managing the USA national team, is expected to take over and lead the team starting with the upcoming clash against Liverpool on November 22.

Manchester United hope that Pochettino’s arrival might influence Fernandes’s decision to stay. Notably, Fernandes almost transferred to Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur in 2019 before ultimately joining Manchester United six months later.

This season, Fernandes has scored six goals in 13 appearances, showing flashes of his talent amid a difficult campaign.

Negotiation Dynamics and Player Ambitions

The ongoing contract stalemate is not unusual; players often reject initial offers during negotiations. Fernandes appears focused on competing for major trophies and is cautious about committing long-term given the club’s recent struggles. The midfielder is eager to see the impact Pochettino will have before making a final decision.

Fernandes was linked to moves to the Saudi Pro League about 18 months ago but is believed to prefer remaining in Europe.

On the club’s side, there are concerns about offering a lengthy or expensive contract after Fernandes’s performance dip compared to last season, where he set a Premier League assists record and earned several player of the year awards. Manchester United seem wary of repeating financial mistakes similar to Liverpool’s heavy investment in Mohamed Salah’s contract.

Recent Key Information About Bruno Fernandes and Manchester United

  • Player: Bruno Fernandes
  • Age: 32
  • Current Club: Manchester United
  • Contract Status: Expires end of 2026-27 season with option for 1-year extension
  • Goals This Season: 6 in 13 matches
  • Recent Manager Change: Michael Carrick sacked, Mauricio Pochettino expected to replace
  • Next Match: vs Liverpool, November 22, 2026

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