Bruno Fernandes will delay any decision on a new Manchester United contract until he has made up his mind on new manager Mauricio Pochettino. The 32-year-old's current deal expires at the end of the season, although the club has an option to extend his contract by another year.
With Fernandes already rejecting two offers of a new deal, the Red Devils are expected to trigger the 12-month extension to avoid him agreeing a move abroad on a free transfer, which he would be able to do in the last six months of his contract.
Contract Stalemate and Pochettino's Arrival
The Sun report that Manchester United remain confident Fernandes will sign a new contract, but that his decision is based on how things play out under new boss Pochettino. The Portuguese star has cut a frustrated figure so far this season under Michael Carrick, playing well below his capabilities as the whole team has struggled.
Carrick has been axed and Pochettino returns to the Premier League for a fourth job, having managed Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea. Not only is Fernandes waiting to see what working under the Argentine is like, but also whether the hierarchy will back the new boss in the transfer market.
Transfer Market Concerns
The Red Devils signed Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos over the summer, but failed to strengthen at the back or up front. The midfield has been revamped, but United look very short at full-back and centre-forward, while they are well stocked at centre-back, but their options continue to perform poorly.
If Fernandes is to remain at Old Trafford beyond this season, he will have to see some intent in the transfer market from the decision-makers at the club. Pochettino is expected to want to make significant changes to the playing squad at Old Trafford, both in terms of outgoings and incomings.
Other Contract Decisions Loom
Like Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire see their current deals expire in the summer of 2027 but the club can extend them by another year. Big decisions are to be made on both. Luke Shaw is also into the final few months of his current contract, with the experienced left-back currently sidelined with injury.
Work on the squad will begin in the winter transfer window, with Pochettino arriving to take charge next week after finishing his time in charge of USA. Speaking of his choice to leave America for Manchester, he said: 'It's difficult to talk now. I'm a very emotional guy. It's a very sad decision.'
'But we are professionals and we are trying to make our dreams come true. They [US Soccer Federation] know that not many opportunities can happen in your career like a side the size of Manchester United. When that arrives, it's difficult to turn down.'
