Bruno Fernandes puts Manchester United contract talks on hold as Pochettino plans rebuild

Bruno Fernandes will wait to assess Mauricio Pochettino’s plans for Manchester United before deciding whether to sign a new contract at Old Trafford.

The 32-year-old Portugal midfielder, who is the club captain, is out of contract at the end of the current season. Manchester United have the option to extend his deal by a further year, but Fernandes has already rejected two previous renewal offers.

The club remain confident they can persuade him to stay, according to The Sun, although the player wants to see whether Pochettino can restore stability and make Manchester United challengers for major honours again.

Fernandes has appeared frustrated during a difficult campaign for the team and has not consistently reached the level normally expected of him. Manchester United dismissed Michael Carrick before turning to Pochettino, who is preparing to return to the Premier League after previous spells with Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea.

The midfielder’s decision will also depend on the club’s approach in the transfer market. Manchester United signed Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andre Santos during the summer, but the squad was not strengthened in several positions that remain weaknesses.

Despite the work carried out in midfield, the team still need further options at full-back and centre-forward. There have also been concerns over the consistency of some defensive players. Fernandes wants to see firm action from the club before committing his future beyond the end of this season.

Pochettino is expected to make significant changes to the Manchester United squad, both by bringing in new players and allowing some current members to leave. Fernandes is not the only major contract issue facing the incoming manager.

Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire are due to see their contracts expire in summer 2027, although Manchester United hold an option to extend both agreements for another season. Luke Shaw is also approaching the end of his current deal and is currently absent because of injury.

Pochettino is due to take charge officially next week, after completing his work with the United States national team. He is expected to begin reshaping the squad during the winter transfer window, with his early decisions likely to establish the direction of Manchester United’s new sporting project.

The Argentine explained his decision to leave the United States job and return to England by saying: “It is difficult to talk now, I am a very emotional person. It is a very sad decision, but we are professionals and we want to achieve our dreams.”

The next stage of Pochettino’s tenure will therefore be important not only for Manchester United’s plans, but also for Fernandes’ decision on whether to continue his career at Old Trafford.

22 November 2026