Manchester United are relaxed about the future of captain Bruno Fernandes, despite the midfielder rejecting 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 rejected improved terms, but United remain confident a deal will be agreed.
The Portugal international is under contract until the end of the season and could begin negotiations with clubs outside the Premier League from 1 January. However, United also hold a one-year option to extend his contract until June 2028, which would give club bosses more time to agree a fresh deal.
A dip in form
Fernandes was named PFA Player of the Year last season after breaking the single-season Premier League assist record. He has struggled for form since August, however. Following the heavy 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League last month, he appeared to criticise Michael Carrick’s tactics.
He was subsequently left on the bench for the next game against Bournemouth, but returned to the team against Chelsea, Roma and Aston Villa.
Carrick sacked, Pochettino appointed
The 4-4 draw with 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 22 November.