Bruno Fernandes Rejects Second Manchester United Contract Offer Amid Managerial Change

Captain Bruno Fernandes has rejected two contract offers from Manchester United, though the club holds an option to extend his stay until 2028.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has rejected a second contract offer from the club, according to sources told by ESPN. The 32-year-old midfielder, who broke the single-season Premier League assist record and was named PFA Player of the Year last season, remains in negotiations with club representatives. While his current deal expires at the end of the season—allowing for talks with non-Premier League clubs starting Jan. 1—United officials possess a one-year extension option to keep him at Old Trafford until June 2028.

The contract standoff follows a period of instability where Fernandes was benched for a fixture against Bournemouth after appearing to criticize Michael Carrick’s tactics following a 4-1 Champions League loss to Como. Although he returned to the starting lineup for matches against Chelsea, Roma, and Aston Villa, the 4-4 draw with Villa resulted in Carrick’s dismissal on Thursday.

Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year contract to replace Carrick as manager. The former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham boss is scheduled to lead his first game against Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 22. Despite the two rejected proposals, United leadership reportedly remains relaxed and confident that a new agreement with the Portugal international will be reached.