Manchester United have suffered another setback in their efforts to secure Bruno Fernandes’ long-term future after the club captain reportedly rejected a second contract offer amid growing uncertainty surrounding his situation at Old Trafford.
The Portugal international has turned down an improved proposal from the Red Devils after previously rejecting an initial offer during the summer, leaving negotiations between both parties unresolved.
According to reports, the disagreement centres primarily on the proposed salary and duration of the new contract, with the 32-year-old yet to be convinced by the terms presented by the club.
Fernandes’ current agreement runs until June 2027, although Manchester United have an option to extend his stay by an additional 12 months, which would keep him at Old Trafford until June 2028.
The club are understood to be keen to reach a fresh agreement rather than rely on the existing extension clause, as they look to avoid the possibility of losing one of their most influential players without receiving a transfer fee.
However, the latest development has increased pressure on United’s hierarchy to resolve the situation, particularly with the midfielder approaching the final months of his existing contract.
Should the club fail to activate the extension option before January, Fernandes would be eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England from the beginning of 2027, potentially opening the door to a free transfer next summer.
Manchester United are reportedly determined to prevent such a situation and remain hopeful that further discussions with the player’s representatives will produce a positive outcome.
Fernandes has been one of the club’s most important players since arriving from Sporting CP in January 2020. His leadership, creativity and ability to influence matches have made him a central figure in the team’s midfield and dressing room.
His individual performances last season were particularly impressive, recording 21 Premier League assists to establish a new competition record. The achievement earned him the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in August, further underlining his importance to the team.
However, his future has become a major talking point following another difficult campaign for the Manchester outfit, whose struggles have raised questions about the club’s direction and ambitions.
The Portuguese midfielder also attracted significant interest from Saudi Arabia last season, particularly from Al-Hilal, who reportedly made an ambitious attempt to secure his signature.
Despite the financial attraction, Fernandes opted to remain at Manchester United, demonstrating his willingness to continue competing at the highest level of European football.
Nevertheless, his latest contract decision suggests that reaching an agreement over his long-term future may prove more complicated than initially anticipated.
The timing is also significant for United, who are preparing for another managerial transition following Michael Carrick’s departure, with Mauricio Pochettino expected to take charge of the team.
Interestingly, Pochettino previously attempted to bring Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur in 2019, before the proposed move was blocked by Sporting CP. The midfielder eventually joined Manchester United six months later.
The Argentine’s arrival could therefore become an important factor in determining how the club approaches Fernandes’ future, particularly given their previous interest in working together.
For now, however, there is no indication that negotiations have collapsed or that Fernandes has made a final decision to leave Old Trafford.
Manchester United will hope to convince their captain to commit his future to the club, but the rejection of two proposals represents a significant obstacle that the incoming manager and the club’s hierarchy must address.
With the January transfer window approaching, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether Fernandes remains at Old Trafford beyond the current season or begins considering a new challenge elsewhere.
