Bruno Fernandes rejects second Manchester United contract offer as future hangs in balance

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has rejected a second offer to extend his contract, leaving the club facing the possibility of losing one of their most influential players for nothing at the end of the season.

Sky Sports reports that Fernandes has not accepted the latest proposal, despite Manchester United’s clear desire to retain the Portugal midfielder. His contract expires at the end of the current campaign, making his future one of the most pressing issues facing the club.

Manchester United began discussions over a new deal last summer, when they made their first offer to Fernandes. The player had signed his previous contract two years earlier but turned down that proposal, and has now rejected a second offer.

Under the regulations, Fernandes will be able to negotiate with clubs outside England from January, with a view to joining them as a free agent in the summer if no agreement is reached.

Manchester United do have the option to extend his contract by a further year. That clause would give the club additional leverage in negotiations and prevent Fernandes from holding talks with foreign teams in January over a free transfer at the end of the season.

Saudi interest and a previous Galatasaray link

Foreign interest is not new for Fernandes. In June 2025, he revealed that he had rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, who were prepared to offer him a weekly salary close to three times his existing £250,000.

Al-Hilal were also willing to pay Manchester United £100m for the midfielder. Fernandes chose to remain at Old Trafford, despite the scale of the proposed deal.

The midfielder was linked with a move to Turkish side Galatasaray in August, with reports suggesting the club were ready to make an offer. Manchester United maintained that their captain was not for sale at any price, leaving his long-term position unresolved.

The club still want Fernandes to stay and further discussions are expected as both sides seek an agreement. Manchester United’s determination to keep him reflects his importance in creating chances and shaping their attacks, as well as his leadership role on and off the pitch.

Fernandes enjoyed an outstanding previous season, winning the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award and the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year award. He also recorded 21 assists in the Premier League, a competition record.

He has found it harder to reach the same level this season, scoring four goals. Three came in a hat-trick against Ipswich Town in August, a result which remains Manchester United’s only Premier League victory this season according to the report.

Pochettino set for United role

The contract dispute comes as Manchester United prepare to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach on Friday. Pochettino is expected to replace Michael Carrick, who was dismissed on Thursday, with the club seeking to reshape its football operation.

Fernandes previously came close to joining Tottenham in 2019, when Pochettino was in charge. Sporting Lisbon prevented the transfer from being completed, and Fernandes continued in Portugal before eventually moving to Manchester United.

His future is therefore set to be an early test for both Pochettino and the new management team, particularly if the club are unable to prevent their captain from leaving Old Trafford without a transfer fee.