Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes rejects improved contract offer.

The 32 year old Portuguese midfielder has turned down United’s latest proposal over salary and contract length, with talks ongoing since he rejected an initial offer in the summer. His current deal runs until June 2027, but United hold a one-year extension option that could keep him at the club until 2028.

Fernandes is not only seeking stronger long term financial security. He wants assurances that United can compete for major trophies before committing the final prime years of his career to the club. That demand carries extra weight after a dismal start to the 2026-27 season, which saw United sink into the relegation zone and sack head coach Michael Carrick.

Incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is expected to replace Carrick, could play a decisive role in convincing Fernandes to stay. Pochettino previously tried to sign Fernandes for Tottenham in 2019 and views the midfielder as central to his plans.

United remain relaxed about the situation, with sources telling ESPN that they are confident a deal will be agreed. But the club knows that if a third offer is not accepted soon, Fernandes could begin negotiating with foreign clubs from January.

Fernandes has already turned down lucrative approaches from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal and a €20 million a year offer from Galatasaray to stay at United.

Now, with his contract entering its final year, United be looking whether to give him a reason to stay or allow him to leave when his contract expires.