20/08/2026

Read

iPaper at Malaysian Paper

www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download

app from the App Store or Google Play TM . Malaysian Paper or download

SCAN ME

SCAN ME

THURSDAY | AUG 20, 2026

Malaysian Paper

Broken winning machine

Rui Jie’s golden redemption Federal Territories diver Yong Rui Jie celebrates after winning the men’s 3m springboard gold medal at the 2026 Malaysian Games (Sukma) at the Darul Ehsan Aquatic Centre in Shah Alam yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

- Story on page 2 page 29

Story on page 31

Stars to watch

- Story on page 30

Fernandes rejects United contract offer as Galatasaray turn up heat Bruno blow for Devils

B RUNO FERNANDES has reportedly rejected Manchester United’s first offer of a new contract, leaving the club facing a fresh battle to secure the future of their captain despite insisting he is not for sale. Fernandes has entered the final year of his current deal, although United have the option to extend it by another season. Galatasaray are interested in the Portugal international and are reportedly considering a bid of around £43 mil lion (RM236m). United, however, are understood to have no intention of accepting an offer for the 31-year-old. The immediate concern for the club is instead Fernandes’ contract. According to Belgian jour nalist Sacha Tavolieri, the midfielder has rejected an initial proposal from Ineos because the finan cial terms fall short of his expectations. Reports claim United offered Fernandes only an additional £500,000 (RM2.7m) over 12 months, while Galatasaray could more than dou ble his current £300,000 (RM1.6m)-a-week salary with a package worth more than £17 (RM93m) million a year. That would give the Turkish champions a sig nificant financial advantage if they can persuade Fernandes to consider leaving England. There is, however, little evidence that the mid

will also return to the Champions League after securing a top-three finish last season. Carrick therefore needs his captain available as United attempt to build on their revival. Fernandes has been one of the club’s most important players since arriving from Sporting in 2020, and his influence has grown further since taking the captain’s armband. For Ineos, the challenge is now to bridge the gap between what United are prepared to offer and what Fernandes believes he is worth. There is also a broader issue at stake. Fernandes has already demonstrated that money alone will not persuade him to leave the Premier League, having turned down Al-Hilal to continue competing at the highest level. But with Galatasaray reportedly willing to make him one of their highest earners, United cannot assume that loyalty will settle the matter indefinitely. The midfielder’s contract situation could therefore become one of the defining issues of the final weeks of the transfer window. United may be unwilling to sell, and Fernandes may still prefer to stay, but until a new agreement is reached, Galatasaray have an open ing to exploit. – Express Newspapers/The Independent

“I want to stay at Manchester United,” he said previously. “They know my intentions. I want to keep lift ing trophies here, or at least trying to lift trophies here.” That position means the latest contract dis pute appears to be more about Fernandes’ valua tion than a desire to leave Old Trafford. Galatasaray’s interest nevertheless gives him considerable leverage. The Turkish champions are understood to be prepared to offer substantially better personal terms, while Fernandes is now in the final year of his existing agreement. A release clause that was previously available to clubs outside England also expired last month, leaving United with greater control over any potential transfer. The club’s position is therefore straightfor ward: Fernandes is central to Michael Carrick’s plans and will not be allowed to leave simply because another club is prepared to pay. The timing makes the situation particularly significant. United begin their Premier League campaign away to newly promoted Hull City on Saturday before facing Ipswich Town, Everton and Manchester City in their opening fixtures. They

fielder is actively seeking an exit. Fernandes rejected a huge offer from Saudi Arabian Pro League club Al-Hilal last summer, choosing to remain at Old Trafford despite the financial attraction. “I simply want to stay at the highest level, play ing in the big competitions,” Fernandes said at the time. He subsequently admitted that he had been hurt by the feeling that United wanted him to leave. “I had that feeling that the club wanted me to leave,” Fernandes said, revealing that he believed the decision could have been driven by financial considerations. “I felt that they wouldn’t miss me if I left.” Rather than allowing the uncertainty to affect him, Fernandes responded with his best season in a United shirt. He was named Footballer of the Year after set ting a Premier League record with 21 assists and also collected the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for a fifth time. His contribution helped United recover from a 15th-place finish in 2025 to secure a top-three fin ish and Champions League qualification. Fernandes has also repeatedly made his pref erence clear when asked about his future.

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2625 Email: newsdesk@thesundaily.com • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Email: advertise@thesundaily.com