Bruno Fernandes has publicly thanked Michael Carrick after Manchester United sacked their head coach, posting on Instagram less than three weeks after being dropped for one match following public criticism of the team's tactics.
Fernandes, the club captain, returned to the starting line-up almost immediately and was nearly ever-present in Carrick's final three matches in charge. After the last of those games, he insisted that his comments following the 4-1 loss to Como were not the reason he was left out.
Fernandes addresses the speculation
Addressing the speculation around his absence, Fernandes argued that "a lot of lies" were being told about the situation. He has now thanked Carrick publicly for his time at the club.
Accompanied by a photograph of the two shaking hands on the pitch, Fernandes wrote on Instagram: "Thanks for everything, boss." The post marked his first public words since a sweary post-match interview after the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, in which he backed his head coach.
Contract reports emerge
Hours after Fernandes's social media post, reports emerged that the midfielder has rejected a second contract offer from the club. His current deal is due to expire at the end of this season, although United hold an option to extend it by a further year.
The Athletic reports that further negotiations are expected, with talks ongoing since the summer, during which a first proposal was turned down. United are said to want their captain to stay on a long-term basis.
Details still under discussion are reported to include the length of any new contract and the salary he would be paid. Fernandes currently earns around £300,000 per week, £25,000 less than the club's highest earner, Marcus Rashford.
The Sun reported in late August that United would be willing to make their captain the club's best-paid player. Fernandes was offered around double his current wages by Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal last year.
