Transfer
Bruno Fernandes transfer news: Manchester United captain rejects second contract offer
Manchester United Bruno Fernandes captain is out of contract at end of the season and can speak to foreign clubs in January over a free transfer; Mauricio Pochettino expected to be announced as United's new head coach on Friday
Friday 13 November 2026 12:41, UK
Manchester 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.
The club's original proposal was made in the summer when talks first began over a new contract, but it was turned down by Fernandes, who penned his last deal two years ago.
United hold an option to extend the 32-year-old's stay at Old Trafford for a further year and also prevent him from speaking to foreign clubs in January over the possibility of a free transfer.
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In June 2025, Fernandes revealed he had turned down a huge offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, who had been willing to almost treble his £250,000-a-week wages and pay United £100m for his signature, while last August Galatasaray were also reportedly set to bid for the player, only for United to insist he was not for sale at any price.
Talks are expected to continue between Fernandes and United, with the club making it clear they want their captain to remain at Old Trafford.
Fernandes was named FWA Footballer or the Year last May, as well as being crowned PFA Player of the Year in August after he recorded 21 assists last season to break a Premier League record.
However, the Portugal international has since struggled to hit those same heights, scoring just four times, including a hat-trick against Ipswich Town in August in what remains the club's only Premier League win so far this campaign.
Mauricio Pochettino, who tried to sign Fernandes while Tottenham boss in 2019, is expected to be announced as United's new head coach on Friday after Michael Carrick was sacked on Thursday.
Fernandes criticised Carrick's tactical plan in the aftermath of United's 4-1 Champions League defeat in Como in October, with the Portuguese then left on the bench for the subsequent 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
"It's a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man and sometimes leave a little space in behind and try to get the ball in the first moment, to wait for them, to give them the ball," the United skipper told TNT Sports of United's tactical plan in Italy.
Sky Sports News reported Carrick and Fernandes held clear-the-air talks in the wake of the Bournemouth defeat, with the captain then recalled for United's 2-0 reverse at Chelsea.
And after the playmaker's re-taken penalty helped spark a stunning comeback win against Roma in the Champions League, he denied he had fallen out with Carrick, before posting a four-word message on social media following his sacking saying: "thanks for everything".
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Can Pochettino reinvigorate Fernandes?
Analysis by Sky Sports Nick Wright:
Fernandes' long-term future is uncertain after his rejection of United's latest contract offer. In the short-term, though, coaxing the best out of him should be a priority for Pochettino.
Fernandes was voted the Premier League's outstanding player for his record-breaking exploits last season. But the dip in his form this term can be seen in his numbers for assists and chance creation.
Pochettino will hope United's last two games signal a change of fortunes. Fernandes scored and assisted in the comeback win over Roma and the chaotic draw with Aston Villa, having failed to do either in his previous eight appearances in all competitions.
Pochettino has a history of helping attacking players flourish, including Dele Alli and Harry Kane at Spurs and Cole Palmer at Chelsea. But repeating that feat with a 32-year-old Fernandes may require a different approach. Pochettino must set his mind to it.
