Manchester United are relaxed about the future of captain Bruno Fernandes, even though the midfielder has rejected a second contract offer, according to sources.
United and Fernandes’ representatives are in talks about extending the 32-year-old’s stay at Old Trafford. Fernandes has twice turned down improved terms, but the club remains confident a deal will be agreed.
The Portugal international is under contract until the end of the season and could begin negotiating with clubs outside the Premier League from Jan. 1. However, United hold a one-year option to extend his contract until June 2028, which would give the club more time to agree a new deal.
Form dip and tactical criticism
Fernandes was named PFA Player of the Year last season after breaking the single-season Premier League assist record. Since August, however, his form has dipped. Following a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League last month, he appeared to criticize manager Michael Carrick’s tactics.
Fernandes was left out of the next game, against Bournemouth, but he returned to the starting lineup against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa.
Carrick sacked, Pochettino appointed
The 4-4 draw with Aston Villa at Old Trafford before the international break proved to be Carrick’s last game in charge. The 45-year-old was sacked by United on Thursday and is set to be replaced by Mauricio Pochettino.
The former Tottenham, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Old Trafford. He will take charge of his first game as United manager against Liverpool at Anfield on Nov. 22.