Bruno Fernandes enters the new season after producing one of his finest campaigns for Manchester United.
The Portuguese midfielder played a decisive role in United’s remarkable turnaround during the second half of last season.
Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January and quickly transformed the team’s fortunes in the Premier League.
United won 12 of their final 17 league matches and climbed to third place with 71 points.
That impressive recovery secured Champions League football after a turbulent opening half of the 2025/26 campaign.
Fernandes remained central to that revival and delivered exceptional numbers from midfield throughout the season.
The United captain registered nine league goals and broke the Premier League’s single-season record with 21 assists.
His performances earned him the Premier League Player of the Season and FWA Footballer of the Year awards.
Fernandes then represented Portugal at the 2026 World Cup after another outstanding campaign at Old Trafford.
Portugal progressed through the group stage before Spain ended their campaign with a 1-0 victory in the round of 16.
His club future has since attracted considerable attention during a busy summer transfer window.
Galatasaray have shown significant interest and have been linked with a €50 million move for the midfielder.
United, however, have maintained that their captain is not for sale and want to secure his long-term future.
Fernandes has also expressed his desire to remain at Old Trafford rather than pursue a move elsewhere.
However, the two parties have now encountered an obstacle during negotiations over a new agreement.
According to Sacha Tavolieri, Manchester United offered Bruno Fernandes a new contract, but the midfielder rejected their proposal.
United’s offer would have increased his salary by only €500,000 per year under the proposed terms.
That increase was not enough to convince the Portuguese international to commit his future through a new agreement.
The development creates fresh uncertainty despite both Fernandes and United previously showing an interest in continuing together.
As things currently stand, Fernandes could leave Manchester United as a free agent next summer.
United must therefore improve their proposal if they want to convince their captain to sign a new contract.
🚨 Manchester United have offered Bruno Fernandes a new contract, but the Portuguese midfielder has rejected the proposal.
💰 The offer included only €500k more per year, which was not enough to convince Fernandes to extend.
🔴⚠️ As things stand, Bruno Fernandes could leave… pic.twitter.com/1Z27CFXLdc
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 18, 2026
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