‘Not Satisfied’—Fernandes’s Man Utd Future Thrown Into Uncertainty After Carrick Sack
Bruno Fernandes has reportedly rejected Manchester United’s second contract offer, adding uncertainty over their captain’s future to the upheaval following Michael Carrick’s dismissal.
Fernandes, whose current deal expires at the end of the season, has been negotiating an extension since the summer. Having already turned down one proposal, the Portugal international has reportedly rejected improved terms as well.
According to The Athletic, Fernandes remains “not satisfied,” with salary and contract length the main sticking points. He is “weighing up his future,” although both player and club reportedly want to reach an agreement.
United’s efforts to reduce their wage bill complicate those discussions. A substantial commitment to a 32-year-old would need to fit that financial approach, while Fernandes has a remarkable 2025–26 campaign behind him to support his demands.
He broke the Premier League’s single-season assists record and collected the FWA Footballer of the Year, Premier League Player of the Season and PFA Players’ Player of the Year awards.
The negotiations are taking place against a backdrop of instability at Old Trafford. United dismissed Carrick on Thursday and are working to bring in Mauricio Pochettino as his successor. Pochettino previously wanted to sign Fernandes for Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.
The 20-time English champions have won just three matches across all competitions this season and sit in the relegation zone for the first time in 40 years. That leaves Fernandes considering a longer commitment while both his contract terms and the club’s direction remain unsettled.
Another distraction United don’t need
Uncertainty over their captain’s future adds another distraction at a time when United need a calming, commanding presence in the dressing room and on the pitch. Fernandes had been finding his form again, but the contract impasse now competes for attention with the team’s results and managerial change.
The situation could become more pressing in January, when Fernandes can begin talking to foreign clubs about a potential free transfer.
United do retain the option to extend his contract by an additional year, keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2028. Exercising it could ease the immediate pressure and help the club avoid a difficult winter over his future.
That would also allow United to concentrate on January reinforcements. With Pochettino being pursued as the next manager, the squad’s needs include a left back, an additional center back and a striker.
