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

Leeds United value Raphinha at £70m putting many teams off

Darwin Nunez or Tammy Abraham to replace Harry Kane at Tottenham

Who is better out of Liverpool v Man City?

Luis Enrique named as the final Manchester United manager target

Spurs defender on the move to Leicester or Wolves this summer

Newcastle to make move for Watford winger Ismaila Sarr

Nkunku wanted by PSG and Manchester United

West Ham price Declan Rice at £150m this summer

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