The Bruno Fernandes contract rejection has created fresh uncertainty over the Manchester United captain’s future after he turned down a second improved offer from the club, with negotiations continuing over his salary and the length of a proposed extension.
According to The Athletic, United recently presented the Portuguese midfielder with better terms after his initial rejection of a contract proposal made during the summer. However, the revised offer has also failed to meet his expectations, leaving both parties facing further discussions.
Fernandes, 32, is currently contracted to Manchester United until June 2027. Under the existing agreement, he will be eligible to negotiate with foreign clubs from January if he does not sign an extension.
The situation gives United limited time to resolve the disagreement and avoid the possibility of losing their captain without receiving a transfer fee when his contract expires.
However, the club reportedly has an option to extend his current deal by another 12 months. If activated, the additional year would prevent Fernandes from leaving as a free agent at the end of his original contract.
Despite the latest setback, United are understood to remain determined to keep the midfielder, who has been an important figure in the team since joining the club.
The discussions are believed to centre on financial terms and the duration of a new agreement. Neither side has reached a final resolution, and further negotiations are anticipated.
Fernandes’ contract situation is unfolding during a difficult period for the club. The midfielder has struggled to reproduce the outstanding performances of the previous season, when he was recognised as the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and received the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year award.
His recent form has also attracted attention following his omission from the side that suffered a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. The decision came after he appeared to criticise Michael Carrick‘s tactical approach.
Manchester United face crucial decision over captain’s future
The Bruno Fernandes contract rejection presents another major issue for Manchester United as the club attempts to rebuild its fortunes following a disappointing campaign.
Retaining the midfielder would provide continuity and experience, particularly during a period of managerial change. However, the club must also reach an agreement that satisfies the player’s expectations while remaining within its financial plans.
Fernandes’ importance to the team means his potential departure would be a significant development. His leadership responsibilities and previous contributions have made him one of the club’s most influential players.
For now, negotiations remain open, with United hoping that an acceptable agreement can be reached before the situation develops into a transfer battle involving interested foreign clubs.
Pochettino expected to become new Manchester United head coach
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino is expected to take over as Manchester United’s new head coach after completing his remaining commitments with the United States men’s national team.
The Manchester Evening News reports that the former Tottenham Hotspur manager is expected to be appointed next week, although he will first oversee the United States in both legs of their Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Haiti.
Michael Carrick was dismissed on Thursday after United dropped into the Premier League relegation zone, forcing the club to search for a replacement during a difficult period.
Pochettino is expected to travel to Manchester next Wednesday, leaving him with only three days to work with the squad before his anticipated first match.
United face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, November 22, meaning the Argentine could begin his tenure with one of the club’s most demanding fixtures.
According to the report, United have already agreed personal terms with Pochettino and established a framework agreement with US Soccer to secure his release.
The 54-year-old reportedly has a $10m (£7.4m) release clause in his contract with the American football governing body.
He is also expected to bring several members of his long-serving backroom staff to Old Trafford as he prepares to begin a new managerial assignment.
Discussions between United and US Soccer have reportedly produced an arrangement that will allow Pochettino to complete both matches against Haiti before leaving his international position.
His expected arrival comes at a critical moment for United, who need an immediate improvement in results to move away from the relegation zone.
Napoli consider January transfer for Chelsea’s Jamie Gittens
In another transfer development, Napoli are reportedly monitoring Chelsea forward Jamie Gittens ahead of the January transfer window.
The Italian side, managed by Massimiliano Allegri, have endured a disappointing start to the season and currently occupy 10th position after 11 league matches.
The club are believed to be considering reinforcements in attack, with the England Under-21 international emerging as a possible target.
Gittens joined Chelsea in a £52m transfer during the summer of 2025 but has struggled to establish himself since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old has scored only once for the London club and also experienced a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury. The problem kept him out for the final four months of last season.
The Sun, citing Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, reported that Gittens has appeared on Napoli’s list of potential January recruits.
A move to Italy could offer the attacker an opportunity to secure regular playing time and rebuild his confidence after an underwhelming spell in English football.
Roma were also interested in signing him during the previous summer transfer window. The club reportedly proposed an initial loan payment of approximately £2.6m, alongside a possible permanent transfer fee of around £34.5m.
However, Chelsea rejected the proposal because they wanted an obligation to buy rather than an option for Roma to complete the transfer permanently.
Napoli’s reported interest could therefore provide Gittens with another opportunity to leave Stamford Bridge if an acceptable arrangement can be reached between the clubs.
Thomas Frank in advanced negotiations with Crystal Palace
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is also close to securing a return to Premier League management, with Crystal Palace reportedly holding advanced discussions with him.
Palace are searching for a new manager following their decision to dismiss Pierre Sage on Thursday after just 16 matches in charge.
The Frenchman leaves with the club at the bottom of the Premier League table, having managed only two victories during his short spell.
Frank has been without a managerial position since his departure from Tottenham in February. Before moving to north London, he enjoyed a successful period at Brentford, where he established a reputation for building a competitive side.
According to The Guardian, Frank previously held discussions with Palace during the summer and remains interested in taking charge of the club.
The Eagles are reportedly hoping to complete the appointment before their next Saturday fixture away to Coventry.
Although the decision to remove Sage was reportedly taken on Sunday evening, negotiations over his compensation delayed the announcement of his departure.
Palace are understood to have agreed to pay the Frenchman 18 months of his contract, which was believed to be worth approximately £4m per season.
The compensation adds considerably to the cost of his brief appointment. The club had already spent more than £4m to secure Sage from Lens when he replaced Oliver Glasner.
Read also: Peter Schmeichel criticism grows over Manchester United’s treatment of Carrick
Frank’s potential appointment would give Palace an opportunity to restore stability following another managerial change, while the club attempts to improve its position in the league.
With negotiations over Fernandes’ future, Pochettino‘s expected arrival, Napoli’s interest in Gittens and Palace’s pursuit of Frank, the January transfer window is already shaping up to be an important period for several major European clubs.
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