Paul Merson says Bruno Fernandes new contract sums up Man United

'Fernandes' contract sums up where Man United are as a club at the moment.'

Paul Merson described Manchester United's decision to give Bruno Fernandes a new contract as "strange," considering he already had three years left on his previous deal. The Portuguese international put pen to paper on a new deal until June 2026, with an option for a further year. He is reportedly earning £240k per week.

Paul Merson's take on Bruno Fernandes' new contract.

Although Fernandes scored nine goals in 27 Premier League appearances this season, the 27-year-old has not been able to replicate his form from last season which saw him score 18 league goals.

Merson remarked on the circumstances of the new contract given out. He suggested it summed up where Man United is currently as a club. The former Arsenal midfielder doesn't understand why they'd give out such a big deal before appointing the first team manager. "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."

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Merson is baffled by the way Man United operates.

Merson recognised Fernandes' talent but said that this season the Portuguese midfielder has not performed to his usual standards for Man United. The Soccer Saturday pundit could not understand why Man United gave the player received a new contract before first trying to solve their managerial dilemma. "He's a good player and I like him, but he hasn't set the world alight at Manchester United this season," Merson added "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." Related links.

• Steve McClaren compares Man United target Erik ten Hag to Alex Ferguson.
• Roy Keane on the key advantage the next Man United manager will have.
• Gary Neville predicts Liverpool to plummet after Jurgen Klopp leaves.

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