Paul Merson questions Man Utd star and makes prediction for Leicester clash

Paul Merson has questioned Manchester United’s decision to award Bruno Fernandes a new five-year contract and revealed his prediction for the club’s upcoming Premier League clash against Leicester City.

Fernandes is close to agreeing a new long-term deal at Old Trafford, having made a big impact at the club since his £47m arrival from Sporting Lisbon in 2020.

The Portugal playmaker has scored 35 goals and made 25 assists in 78 Premier League appearances, largely impressing despite the club’s inconsistent form under Ralf Rangnick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

But Merson insists Fernandes has ‘not set the world alight’ this season and has questioned why United are offering the 27-year-old such a significant new contract when they are yet to appoint a new manager.

Old Trafford chiefs have held initial talks with Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino over the vacant manager’s position but an appointment is not expected to be imminent.

‘Bruno Fernandes’ contract situation is an interesting one and pretty much sums up where Manchester United are as a club at the moment,’ Merson told Sportskeeda.

‘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.’

Manchester United