Bruno Fernandes rejects second Manchester United contract offer

Summarised from 7 outlets · 10 reports · Updated 14 Nov, 11:32 · Archive

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has rejected a second contract offer from the club. The Portuguese midfielder's current deal expires at the end of the 2026-27 season, though United hold an option to extend it by a further 12 months.

Talk of a new contract began in the summer following what The Evening Standard describes as Fernandes' impressive individual season. He broke the Premier League assist record with 21 assists, was named PFA Player of the Year in August, and helped United recover to finish third in the league. Despite this, he rejected United's first proposal and has now turned down a second improved offer.

The issues in negotiations centre on salary and contract length. According to reports, both proposals have been rejected by Fernandes' representatives, and a compromise has yet to be reached. United remain confident a deal will be agreed, with one source telling The i Paper that rejecting early offers is 'part of the negotiation process' and insisting 'we will get there'.

If no new deal is reached, United will almost certainly trigger their 12-month extension before the end of the year to prevent Fernandes leaving on a free transfer. However, once the contract enters its final six months, he will be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs. He came close to joining Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal during the summer of 2025 but decided to stay after discussions with his family and then-manager Ruben Amorim.

The Evening Standard reports that Fernandes has already outlined three dream destinations should he leave Old Trafford, telling Canal 11 last year: 'I would like to experience the Spanish league and fight for big titles in Italy. I have many connections to Italy… my daughter was born there.' He previously came close to joining Tottenham under Mauricio Pochettino in 2019, but that move was blocked by Sporting Lisbon.

Fernandes' contract situation adds to upheaval at the club following Michael Carrick's sacking on Thursday after just 174 days in the permanent role. Manchester United sit 18th in the league following their worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years. Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be announced as Carrick's replacement on Friday and will take charge for United's visit to Liverpool on 22 November.

The i Paper reports that United are confident Pochettino's arrival will persuade Fernandes to commit his future to the club. A source who has worked with the Argentine insisted that Pochettino will 'relish' having Fernandes to guide younger players and will build his team around the captain rather than removing the club's most creative option.

How it is being reported

• Man Utd facing huge Bruno Fernandes dilemma after turning down contract offerBruno Fernandes has turned down another contract offer from Manchester United, casting further doubt over his future at Old Trafford, with the club having to consider their optionsMirror Sport · 14 Nov, 11:14
• Pochettino’s plan for Bruno Fernandes – with Man Utd confident of new dealManchester United hope Pochettino’s arrival and opinion of Fernandes will persuade the 32-year-old to stay beyond his current contractThe i Paper · 13 Nov, 14:59
• Man Utd identify Bruno Fernandes replacement for £67m transfer next summerFernandes’ future at United has been thrown into doubt (Picture: Shutterstock) Manchester United are weighing up a move for Como star Nico Paz as they begin to consider life after Bruno Fernandes . Paz, 22, demonstrated his immense qualities against United in the Champions League in October…Metro · 13 Nov, 14:40
• Fernandes rejects second Man Utd contract offerManchester United captain Bruno Fernandes rejects the club's second contract offer, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.BBC News · 13 Nov, 09:55
• Sacked Man Utd man labelled 'extremely arrogant' was the real target of Bruno Fernandes' angerBruno Fernandes broke ranks at Manchester United and one of the sources of his anger has departed the clubMirror Sport · 13 Nov, 09:31
• Bruno Fernandes has already revealed his dream moves after leaving Manchester UnitedThe Man United captain has been thinking about his next movesEvening Standard · 13 Nov, 08:24
• Fernandes rejects second Man Utd contract offerManchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has rejected a second contract offer from the club, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.Sky Sports Football · 12 Nov, 23:39
• Fernandes rejects second Man Utd contract offerManchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has rejected a second contract offer from the club, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.Sky Sports · 12 Nov, 23:39
• Bruno Fernandes snubs second new contract offer from Man United in early headache for incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino - with star free to talk to foreign clubs as early as JanuaryBruno Fernandes has rejected a new contract at Manchester United against the turbulent backdrop of the departure of head coach Michael Carrick.Daily Mail Sport · 12 Nov, 23:35
• Bruno Fernandes REJECTS second Man Utd contract offer casting doubt over his futureManchester United captain Bruno Fernandes will see his current contract expire in June and talks over fresh terms are yet to bring a breakthrough amid turmoil at the clubMirror Sport · 12 Nov, 22:40

In this story: Bruno Fernandes · Manchester United · Mauricio Pochettino · Michael Carrick · Al Hilal · Sporting Lisbon · Tottenham · Liverpool

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