Pochettino faces immediate test as United captain linked with exit

Mauricio Pochettino has been urged to sell Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes in his first major decision as the club's new manager. Former Red Devils assistant manager Rene Meulensteen told talkSPORT that the Argentine should consider moving the 32-year-old midfielder on after a slow start to the season. The two-and-a-half-year deal signed by Pochettino replaces Michael Carrick in the dugout.

Pochettino will not manage the team immediately. He will oversee the United States' two matches against Haiti before taking charge of the club. His first Premier League game in charge is an away trip to Liverpool on November 22. This leaves little time for him to work with the squad before the season resumes.

Meulensteen praised Fernandes for his long service to the club but noted a drop in performance. "Bruno has been a fantastic servant for Manchester United over many, many years," Meulensteen said. He added that the midfielder has not reached the same levels this year and may be mentally affected by the negativity surrounding the club. "I would not be too sad if he decided to leave the club," he stated.

The former assistant manager argued that several players need to move on to create a different kind of dynamism in the team. He suggested that Pochettino use the January transfer window to reshape the squad after a disappointing summer period left gaps in the roster. Fernandes won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award last year following a strong second half of the season under Carrick.

Fernandes' contract expires at the end of the current season. Reports from The Athletic indicate that the midfielder recently turned down a second contract offer from the club. United holds an option to trigger a 12-month extension through the summer of 2028. If the club sells him, he can negotiate with foreign teams for a free transfer starting in January.

Manchester United is reportedly exploring a move for Como midfielder Nico Paz as a potential replacement. The club is considering this option if it decides to part ways with Fernandes in the coming months. The decision will shape the midfield ahead of the crucial fixture against Liverpool in three weeks.