Manchester United contract talks with Bruno Fernandes remain unresolved after the midfielder turned down an improved offer, while Mauricio Pochettino is increasingly expected to take over as manager following his international commitments with the United States.
The developments come amid another period of uncertainty at Old Trafford, with the club facing important decisions over its playing squad and managerial direction. Fernandes remains a central figure in those discussions, despite concerns about his recent performances and the possibility that he could leave when his existing agreement expires.
According to reports by The Athletic, United have been negotiating with the Portugal international since the summer, when he rejected the club’s initial proposal. The latest offer included improved terms, but the midfielder has yet to accept the conditions.
Further discussions are expected as both parties attempt to reach an agreement. The major sticking points reportedly include the length of the proposed contract and the salary United are prepared to pay.
Fernandes, who is 32, is currently contracted to Manchester United until June 2027. Unless a new agreement is reached, he will be eligible to discuss a potential free transfer with clubs outside England from January.
United, however, have an additional option that could extend his stay by another 12 months. Exercising that clause would prevent the midfielder from leaving as a free agent at the end of his current contract.
The club would prefer to retain Fernandes, who has been one of its most influential players in recent seasons. His leadership, creativity and ability to contribute goals have made him an important part of the team, even as United continue to experience inconsistent results.
Nevertheless, his performances this season have not matched the standards he established during the previous campaign. Fernandes was named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year and Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year last season, but he has struggled to reproduce that form consistently.
His relationship with the club’s current football direction has also attracted attention. Fernandes was left out of the team that suffered a 3–0 defeat against Bournemouth after reportedly making comments perceived as criticism of Michael Carrick‘s tactical approach.
The situation leaves United with a significant decision. They must determine whether to meet the midfielder’s financial expectations or risk losing an influential player whose departure would create another major rebuilding challenge.
Pochettino expected to replace Carrick at Manchester United
While negotiations over Fernandes’ future continue, Manchester United are also preparing for a possible change in the dugout, with Mauricio Pochettino emerging as the expected successor to Carrick.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager is reportedly close to securing the position, although he is expected to complete his immediate responsibilities with the United States national team before beginning work at Old Trafford.
Pochettino is expected to oversee both legs of the United States’ Concacaf Nations League quarter-final tie against Haiti. His international commitments mean he may not be available to take charge of Manchester United immediately after an anticipated appointment next week.
Carrick was dismissed on Thursday following a disappointing spell that left United in the relegation zone. The club is now seeking a manager capable of stabilising the team and restoring confidence during a difficult period.
Reports indicate that Pochettino has already agreed personal terms with United, while a framework agreement has also been reached with US Soccer to facilitate his departure from the national-team position.
The proposed arrangement is understood to involve a release clause of approximately $10 million, equivalent to about £7.4 million. United are therefore expected to complete the necessary arrangements before formally bringing the Argentine to Manchester.
Pochettino could travel to England next Wednesday, leaving him with only three days to work with the squad before his first anticipated match.
That opening assignment would be particularly demanding, as United are scheduled to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, November 22. Taking charge of such a high-profile fixture so soon after arriving would provide an immediate test of his ability to influence the team.
The Argentine is also expected to bring several members of his long-serving coaching and backroom staff to Manchester. Their arrival would allow him to establish his preferred training methods and working structure as quickly as possible.
United will hope that Pochettino can provide the stability that has been missing from the club’s recent managerial appointments. His experience in English football, particularly during his time at Tottenham, is expected to be an important consideration as the club prepares for another attempt to rebuild.
Napoli consider January move for Chelsea forward Gittens
Away from Manchester, Chelsea forward Jamie Gittens could be offered an opportunity to revive his career in Italy, with Napoli reportedly monitoring his situation ahead of the January transfer window.
Napoli have experienced an inconsistent start to the campaign under their current manager, with the team sitting 10th in the league table after 11 matches. The club is understood to be considering attacking reinforcements as it looks to improve its position.
Gittens, an England Under-21 international, has emerged as a possible target. The winger joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2025 in a deal reportedly worth £52 million.
However, his time at Stamford Bridge has not developed as expected. He has managed only one goal since arriving, while a hamstring injury kept him out for the final four months of last season.
The Sun, citing Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, reported that Napoli have placed the Chelsea attacker on their watchlist as they assess possible January additions.
A move to Serie A could provide Gittens with an opportunity to secure more regular playing time and rebuild his confidence. Napoli would also be hoping that his pace and attacking qualities could improve their options in the final third.
The Italian side are not the first club to show interest in taking him away from Chelsea. Roma reportedly explored a loan arrangement during the summer transfer window.
That proposal included an initial payment of approximately £2.6 million, with a possible permanent transfer fee of around £34.5 million.
Chelsea rejected the offer because they reportedly wanted an obligation to buy rather than an option that would leave Roma free to decide whether to make the move permanent.
Napoli’s reported interest could therefore create another opportunity for negotiations when the transfer window opens. However, any potential agreement will depend on Chelsea’s willingness to allow the winger to leave and the financial conditions offered by the Italian club.
Crystal Palace hold advanced talks with Thomas Frank
Crystal Palace are also working towards appointing a new manager, with Thomas Frank reportedly in advanced discussions about taking charge of the Premier League club.
Palace dismissed Pierre Sage on Thursday after a disappointing 16-match spell that left the team near the bottom of the table with only two victories.
The decision brought an abrupt end to Sage’s time at Selhurst Park, with the club now hoping to appoint a replacement before its next league fixture against Coventry next Saturday.
Frank has been without a managerial position since his dismissal by Tottenham in February. Before moving to north London, he established a strong reputation during his time at Brentford, helping the club compete effectively in the Premier League.
According to The Guardian, Palace had previously spoken to the Danish coach during the summer. Frank was reportedly interested in the possibility of taking on a new challenge after his successful period at Brentford.
His experience of building a competitive team with limited resources is believed to make him an attractive candidate for Palace, who are looking for someone capable of improving their results and restoring stability.
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The club’s decision to part ways with Sage was reportedly reached on Sunday evening, although arrangements surrounding his compensation delayed the formal announcement.
Palace have agreed to pay the Frenchman 18 months of his contract, which was understood to be worth approximately £4 million annually.
The financial implications of his departure add to the club’s recent managerial expenses. Palace had already paid more than £4 million to Lens to secure Sage’s services when he replaced Oliver Glasner.
With the compensation package included, the total amount spent on appointing and dismissing Sage is expected to exceed £10 million.
The club will now be hoping that its negotiations with Frank produce a swift agreement. Palace’s immediate priority is to appoint a manager before the Coventry fixture and give the incoming coach sufficient time to assess the squad.
Frank’s potential appointment would represent another significant managerial move in the Premier League, while Manchester United’s pursuit of Pochettino and unresolved contract situation involving Fernandes underline the scale of decisions facing several major clubs ahead of the January transfer window.
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