Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has turned down a second contract extension offer from the club, a report said. The development comes shortly after Michael Carrick's sacking was confirmed, with Mauricio Pochettino set to take over.
Manchester United have reportedly been working on a new deal for their skipper for some time now. After the 32-year-old attacking midfielder turned down the initial offer, they sent him a revised deal. However, news reports now claim that the Portugal international seems unimpressed with it as well.
Given his age, this could well be the final chance for him to extend his stay at Old Trafford, and the club have clarified that he remains an integral part of the squad. Bruno Fernandes was part of the club's long-term plans, despite the recent focus on bringing in youngsters in the hope of an overhaul so that they are future-ready.
Bruno Fernandes's current contract will run out next summer, but United have an option to extend his stay for another year. His intentions—whether he wants a big-money deal from the club or an exit—are not immediately clear.
Interestingly, cash-rich Saudi clubs had recently come knocking for Fernandes. A section of fans were okay with him being sold after a season that saw him break the record for the most Premier League assists. However, the club decided to keep the experienced star.
Had they decided otherwise, Manchester United would have benefited from a £54 million release clause attached to his contract. That has since expired, while the threat of the Portuguese midfielder walking out as a free agent has arisen.
With Pochettino expected to land at Old Trafford in a matter of days, many are hopeful that among the first items on his agenda will be holding talks with his captain. The Argentine manager is expected to convince Fernandes to ink a new deal and extend his stay at the club, despite him failing to perform at an elite level in recent weeks.
A 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday left United 18th in the Premier League and in the relegation zone with just one league win all season. With eight points from 10 games, it is United's worst start in 40 years—predating the Premier League era.
