Fernandes rejects second Manchester United contract offer, BBC Sport reports
The United captain is out of contract in the summer, with the club in the relegation zone and Mauricio Pochettino expected to take over as head coach.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has rejected a second contract offer from the club, according to BBC Sport, which cites sources. The Daily Mirror also reports that the 32-year-old has turned down improved terms for a second time.
The Portugal midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season, but United can trigger a 12-month extension to 2028. BBC Sport reports that the club would rather avoid that by agreeing a new deal, and that talks with his representatives have continued over recent months.
The Mirror says United also hold a clause that prevents Fernandes from speaking to foreign clubs about a move in January. BBC Sport reports that if no agreement is reached, the extension is almost certain to be triggered before 1 January. From that date, with his contract inside six months of expiry, he could otherwise sign a pre-contract agreement with a club abroad.
Upheaval at Old Trafford
The timing is awkward for United. Michael Carrick was sacked as head coach on Thursday after what BBC Sport describes as the club's worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years. The Mirror says United are in the Premier League relegation zone.
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to replace Carrick. BBC Sport reports that the Argentine is set to take charge for the first time when United visit Liverpool at Anfield on 22 November, and that the club hope his arrival will persuade Fernandes to commit his future.
BBC Sport says it is unclear when Fernandes turned down the offer, and that a resolution does not look imminent given the upheaval. The Mirror says United remain confident a deal will be agreed.
Fernandes' record and doubts
Fernandes has scored six times in 13 matches for United this season, according to BBC Sport. The Mirror notes that he broke the Premier League record for assists in a single season last term, scored in double figures in each of his first six seasons at the club, and managed nine last season. He has also won the club's Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award a record five times.
The Mirror adds that he turned down offers from Saudi Arabia several summers ago, and that some critics see him as a one-man band whose exploits are not always with the team in mind.
BBC Sport's analysis says there is a clear desire on his part to compete for the biggest prizes, and that he will want to see what impact Pochettino has. It also notes that Fernandes came close to joining Pochettino's Tottenham in 2019, before signing for United six months later.
BBC Sport's analysis also points out that it is usual for first and second offers to be rejected in negotiations.
Should United keep Fernandes at any cost, or is it time to let him go?
