Bruno Fernandes could be approaching the end of his Manchester United career after rejecting a second contract offer. The development raises fresh questions about the future of a player who has watched several of his high-profile teammates leave Old Trafford since his arrival in 2020.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has rejected a second contract offer from the club, increasing uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford.
According to Sky Sports, the Portuguese midfielder turned down the latest proposal after rejecting an earlier offer made during the summer.
The disagreement reportedly centres on salary and the length of the proposed contract. United, however, remains interested in retaining its captain, with further negotiations expected.
Fernandes’ current contract expires in June 2027. Although United has an option to extend his stay by another year, the midfielder could begin speaking with foreign clubs in January if the club does not activate that clause.
The situation is particularly significant considering how much the team around Fernandes has changed since he joined the club.
The major players Fernandes has watched leave
When Fernandes arrived from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, he joined a Manchester United squad featuring several established names.
However, many of those players are no longer at Old Trafford.
Cristiano Ronaldo left the club in November 2022 following the breakdown of his relationship with the management. His departure came during Fernandes’ second season at United.
Paul Pogba also left in 2022 after his contract expired, bringing his second spell at the club to an end.
Other notable departures followed. Goalkeeper David de Gea left in 2023 after 12 years at United, while Fred joined Fenerbahce in the same year.
The club also lost several important players in 2024. Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial departed after their contracts expired, while Scott McTominay joined Napoli.
Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani are other former teammates who have since moved on.
Mason Greenwood also left permanently in 2024, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka joined West Ham United.
These departures represent different generations of players who shared the dressing room with Fernandes during his time at United.
Fernandes remains part of a changing United
Despite the departures, Fernandes has remained a central figure at Old Trafford.
He became club captain in July 2023 and has continued to play an influential role in the team’s midfield and attack.
His individual achievements also strengthened his position. During the 2025/26 season, he recorded 21 Premier League assists, setting a new competition record. He subsequently won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
However, his latest contract disagreement suggests that his long-term future cannot be taken for granted.
United’s decision to retain him will also depend on the outcome of negotiations and whether both parties can agree on improved terms.
Is Fernandes preparing to leave?
Rejecting two contract offers does not automatically mean Fernandes has decided to leave Manchester United.
The club still has the option of extending his existing agreement until June 2028. It also maintains that it wants him to stay.
Nevertheless, the possibility of an exit is now a serious consideration, particularly with his contract approaching its final months.
For a player who has witnessed the departure of Ronaldo, Pogba, De Gea, McTominay and several other familiar faces, Fernandes could become the latest major name to leave an increasingly different Manchester United squad.
For now, the Portuguese captain’s next move remains uncertain.