Bruno Fernandes turns down second Manchester United contract offer
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has rejected a second proposal over a new deal, leaving the club weighing a 12-month extension while awaiting Mauricio Pochettino's arrival.
Bruno Fernandes has turned down a second contract proposal from Manchester United, with the Portugal midfielder's current deal set to expire at the end of the season. United hold an option to trigger a 12-month extension until 2028 and are keen to agree a fresh deal instead, having held talks with the captain's representatives in recent months.
Sources told BBC Sport that Fernandes rejected the second offer, although it is unclear when. If no new agreement is reached, the club is almost certain to activate the extension before 1 January, when the midfielder would otherwise be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs.
The stand-off comes during significant upheaval at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick was sacked as head coach on Thursday after the club's worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years. United States coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to take over and lead the side for the first time away to Liverpool on 22 November.
Fernandes, who nearly joined Pochettino's Tottenham in 2019 before moving to United six months later, has scored six goals in 13 matches this season. Analysis suggests he wants to compete for major prizes and is waiting to see Pochettino's impact, while the club has noted his drop-off from last season's Premier League assists record. The article also cites Liverpool's costly commitment to Mohamed Salah as a caution against a long, expensive deal for an underperforming player.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
