Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Merson worried about Man Utd, Fernandes contract blunder over embarrassing new manager reaction

Bruno Fernandes, Portugal v North Macedonia March 2022

Paul Merson has questioned Manchester United’s decision to hand Bruno Fernandes a new contract despite not having a new manager in place.

The Red Devils announced on Friday that the Portugal midfielder has extended his Old Trafford terms until 2026. The new deal is a reward for Fernandes, following his impact since signing from Sporting in 2020.

He arrived in Manchester from Lisbon just before the pandemic began. Nevertheless, he hit the ground running and inspired United to a top-four Premier League finish.

Last season, meanwhile, Fernandes hit 28 goals. That saw him break Frank Lampard’s record of goals in all competitions in a season from a Premier League midfielder.

The 27-year-old has directly contributed to another 23 goals this term, hence his new deal. However, the focus this campaign has shifted more to United’s managerial situation.

Ralf Rangnick is in interim charge until the end of the season. Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino are the leading frontrunners to step in. Nevertheless, Man Utd have yet to make a final decision.

Writing in a column for Sportskeeda, Merson therefore insisted that Fernandes may yet have no role to play under the new manager.

“Bruno Fernandes’ contract situation is an interesting one and pretty much sums up where Manchester United are as a club at the moment,” the pundit wrote.

Bruno Fernandes deserves respect and big Man Utd payrise

Bruno Fernandes deserves respect and big Man Utd payrise

Surely being United's best player for the last two years warrants a much higher salary.

“I’m not saying he’s a bad player by any stretch of the imagination, but how can they give someone a five-year contract when they haven’t even got a permanent manager?

“What if a new manager comes in and doesn’t quite fancy Fernandes, because there’s every chance coaches won’t like the way he throws his hands up in frustration or his style of play.

“He’s a good player and I like him, but he hasn’t set the world alight at Manchester United this season.

“I just find it a bit strange that they’ve given a massive long-term contract to a player when they haven’t sorted out their managerial dilemma. It’s a big call by the club.”

Fernandes looking for strong Man Utd finish

Bruno Fernandes of Man Utd

United have firmly put Fernandes at the heart of their future of the team, regardless of their manager situation.

For the immediate future, though, the midfielder’s focus is on helping Man Utd secure another top-four Premier League finish.

The Portugal star is in good form, having scored two goals and assisted another in four league matches.

Furthermore, he netted both of Portugal’s goals to send them to the World Cup on Tuesday.

He will subsequently return to Old Trafford refreshed ahead of Saturday’s clash with Leicester.