Paul Merson has been left ‘flabbergasted’ by ’s decision to extend Bruno Fernandes’ contract, calling the goings-on at the club ‘a bit of shambles’.
The Portugal international, who joined 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.
It comes at a time when United are searching for a permanent successor for , with current interim boss set to take up a consultancy role at Old Trafford at the end of the season.
Erik ten Hag is said to be the frontrunner for the post, with the Ajax boss with the club.
But Merson is shocked that United would hand Fernandes a new deal before appointing a new manager.
‘Unbelievable. I’m flabbergasted if I’m being honest,’ the Arsenal legend told Sky Sports.
‘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 who’s got someone else who he wants to bring in.
‘Completely and utterly shocked. I cannot believe what’s happening. Everything has been 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.’
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