Fernandes rejects second Man Utd contract offer

The Portugal midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season, though the club have the option to trigger a 12-month extension until 2028. United are keen to avoid that eventuality by extending the 32-year-old's existing deal and have been in talks with the Portuguese's representatives in recent months. Should United fail to agree a fresh deal with Fernandes, it is almost certain that the club will trigger a 12-month extension in his contract before 1 January.

At that point, the midfielder would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs as his contract would be within six months of expiring. It is unclear when Fernandes turned down the offer, but it appears unlikely that a resolution is imminent given the upheaval at the club. Michael Carrick was sacked as head coach on Thursday following the club's worst start to a domestic campaign in 40 years.

USA coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to replace Carrick, with the Argentine set to be in charge for the first time when United travel to Anfield to face rivals Liverpool on 22 November.