Bruno Fernandes has turned down two contract offers from Manchester United and will pause further negotiations until he sees how the team fares under new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentine was appointed at Old Trafford to replace Michael Carrick, who departs with the club in the relegation zone. Pochettino, formerly of Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain, inherits a squad that has underperformed this season, and Fernandes wants to observe the direction before committing his future.
Contract Stalemate
Fernandes, the club's captain and talisman, has rejected two fresh offers, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season. United hold a one-year option in their favour, which would prevent him from leaving on a free transfer this summer.
A source told The Sun: "Bruno wants to see what happens for the rest of this season before committing. His relationship with the club has been up and down in the last few years."
The source added: "He enjoyed a best-ever season but is unhappy with some of the decisions since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos bought into the club. He knows Poch is a good manager but wants to see the club back him properly - he and some other players think they have been set up to fail this season."
Club Frustrations
United failed to secure all their summer transfer targets, including a left-back and a No 9. Lisandro Martinez criticised the hierarchy weeks ago for not strengthening the squad, and Fernandes also expressed frustration earlier this year after a loss to Como, criticising Carrick's tactics. He was subsequently benched for the defeat to Bournemouth, where sections of the home crowd jeered him.
Fernandes earns £300,000 a week, just below the club's top earner, Marcus Rashford. Saudi clubs have previously shown interest in the midfielder, and he has recently been linked with a move to Turkey.
