‘I’m flabbergasted if I’m being honest’
Paul Merson has admitted that he has been left ‘flabbergasted’ by Manchester United’s decision to extend Bruno Fernandes’ contract, calling the goings-on at Old Trafford ‘a bit of shambles’.
The 27-year-old – who signed for the Red Devils from Sporting Lisbon in 2020 – has had his stay at Old Trafford extended to 2026, with the option for an extra year.
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His new wage lifts him among United’s highest earners, ahead of the likes of Marcus Rashford and club captain Harry Maguire.
Although only Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane have registered more goal involvements in the Premier League than Fernandes since the Portuguese international arrived in England, Merson is shocked that United have handed him a new deal before appointing a permanent manager.
Merson questions Man United’s ‘unbelievable’ decision
When asked about Fernandes’ new deal on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, Merson replied: “Unbelievable. I’m flabbergasted if I’m being honest.
“You give a four-year contract extension, more money or whatever it may be.
“A manager comes in, he might not like Fernandes. He might not like all the throwing the hands up and moaning at everybody when he doesn’t get the ball.
“It might be the lad at Ajax who’s got someone else who he wants to bring in.”
"I'm flabbergasted if I'm being honest" 😮
Paul Merson is shocked that Manchester United have signed Bruno Fernandes to a new long-term deal 📝 pic.twitter.com/rzZlscmXZe
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2022
He added: “Completely and utterly shocked. I cannot believe what’s happening. Everything is being done off the cuff for the last couple of years at Man United and that is a prime example.
“Unless they’ve got a manager sorted, which I doubt they have, who said do you want Fernandes.
“You have to like that kind of player because he’s a bit of a luxury player, he’s going to make things happen. I’m really shocked. It’s a bit of a shambles at the moment.”
Fernandes’ impressive statistics
Since joining United, Fernandes has registered 49 goals and 39 assists in 117 appearances.
Related links:
- ‘Uncoachable’ Bruno Fernandes disrupts play with ‘tactical anarchy’ at Man United
- Gary Neville calls out Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes’ ‘whinging’ after Newcastle draw
- Paul Merson questions Manchester United decision to appoint Ralf Rangnick