United struggle as Bruno Fernandes refuses second contract offer

Two minutes ago it appeared on Google that Manchester United faces a difficult dilemma because 32‑year‑old Bruno Fernandes has rejected a second contract offer. Negotiations for a new contract have been ongoing since the summer, but the Portuguese international now refuses an improved offer.

Mauricio Pochettino immediately gets a tough challenge at Manchester United, as he must name the intended successor to the dismissed Michael Carrick.

The current captain of the Mancunians rejected an initial contract proposal and is still not convinced by an improved offer.

The Athletic reports that. However, both parties appear to continue the negotiations.

Contract negotiations and financial issues

Salary and contract length prove to be the most delicate topics in the negotiations.

Fernandes is currently tied to Old Trafford until mid‑2027, meaning that from January he could talk to other clubs about a free‑transfer move; Manchester United can thwart this by activating an option that would bind him until 2028.

According to The Athletic, United would like to keep the Portuguese international because he is still an important link.

Fernandes was named Footballer of the Year by the English sports press in May and in August was voted the best player of the year by his fellow players, after he broke a Premier League record with 21 assists.

Although the attacking midfielder has not yet reached that level this season, United still regards him as a game‑changer.

"Fernandes is at an age where his next contract will be his last major deal, while United must weigh the costs against the expected return, at a time when Sir Jim Ratcliffe's regime has made attempts to reduce wage costs," according to The Athletic.