MANCHESTER United’s week of chaos has taken another turn for the worse, as the club captain has rejected a second contract offer.
Bruno Fernandes initially turned down a first extension over the summer, and despite improved terms on this occasion, the Portuguese midfielder is still not satisfied.
The Red Devils skipper, who last penned a deal two years ago, is out of contract in June 2027 – which would leave him free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any foreign club from January.
However, Manchester United do hold the option to extend his current deal by 12 months in the same month, which the club are largely expected to trigger.
Fernandes, who broke the Premier League assist record and won the PFA Players’ Player of the Season award last season, currently earns £250,000 a week, could sign a salary that would see him become the third-highest paid player in the club’s history.
Last year, he rejected a bumper contract with Saudi club Al-Hilal, who had offered a £700k per week salary, whilst Turkish side Galatasaray were ready to bid up to £100m for the player, only for United to insist their star player was not for sale.
Despite both the club and the player being miles off the heights achieved last season – the Red Devils sit 18th whilst Fernandes has only netted in two games – the uncertainty over the future of the club’s fortunes is likely to disrupt any potential contract agreeement.
Michael Carrick was given his marching orders earlier this week, just six months after becoming the full-time manager after guiding the club to third as interim boss last season.
The decision came two weeks after the United legend had dropped Fernandes to the bench in the 3-0 loss against Bournemouth following a dispute between the pair in the days before.
Mauricio Pochettino has been announced as his replacement, and will join up with the squad following the conclusion of this international break with the USA, on a two-and-a-half year deal.
Yet, with Manchester United fighting to battle out of a relegation fight and with Pochettino’s impact yet to be known, Fernandes could decide to wait even longer before signing a new contract – further increasing the uncertainty behind closed doors at Old Trafford.
Image: Bruno Fernandes at PFA awards
Credit: PA Media
