Bruno Fernandes has rejected Manchester United’s latest contract offer, with the length of a proposed new deal still the main sticking point in negotiations.
The United captain wants a guaranteed contract through to 2030, according to TEAMtalk, while the club is reluctant to commit to that length. Sky Sports has also reported that Fernandes rejected a second offer, but talks are expected to continue and United want him to stay.
Fernandes’ current contract runs until June 2027, and United have an option to extend it by a further year. TEAMtalk reports the club is prepared to offer an extra year on his existing terms, with a performance-related option that could extend the deal to 2030. Fernandes wants those later years guaranteed rather than dependent on conditions.
Fernandes and United remain apart over the terms
The 32-year-old believes his importance to the team and role as captain merit a longer commitment and improved financial terms. United, however, are weighing the length and cost of a new deal against their longer-term plans.
The contract discussions have involved chief executive Omar Berrada and director of transfer negotiations Matt Hargreaves. TEAMtalk reports there has been little progress for several months, while Sky says the club’s latest proposal was the second Fernandes has turned down.
Despite the disagreement, Fernandes has not ended negotiations. Sky reports United remain keen to keep their captain, and the midfielder’s future is still unresolved.
United hold an option to extend his current deal
United’s option could keep Fernandes at Old Trafford until 2028 and would prevent him from speaking to foreign clubs in January about a possible free transfer, according to Sky Sports.
The gap between the parties is now focused on whether United will guarantee the longer term Fernandes is seeking. The club’s proposed performance-related extension would offer a route towards 2030, but it does not meet his demand for certainty from the outset.
New head coach Mauricio Pochettino may value Fernandes highly, but the contract decision is being handled by the club’s hierarchy. With the second offer rejected and talks still open, the coming months will be important in determining whether United can agree terms with their captain.
