Manchester United weigh Nico Paz move amid Fernandes contract doubts

Manchester United have identified Como's Nico Paz as a player who could eventually succeed Bruno Fernandes, according to Metro Football, with the Argentine's performances against the Red Devils this season having caught the club's attention.

Paz scored twice and set up another as Como beat United 4-1 in the Champions League in October, a display Metro reports United had already been tracking before that result.

The 22-year-old has six goals and eight assists this season playing under Cesc Fabregas at Como, having joined the club from Real Madrid in the summer of 2024.

Real Madrid retain a £67million buyback clause on Paz, though Metro notes Jude Bellingham's hold on the number 10 role there is likely to limit his route back to the Bernabeu.

Paz reportedly turned down the chance to return to Real Madrid last summer, telling the club he preferred to keep developing in Italy, per Metro's reporting.

Any interest in Paz is tied to broader doubts over Fernandes's long-term place at Old Trafford. His contract runs out at the end of the season, and United hold the option to extend it by a further year.

United have made at least two contract offers to Fernandes, both of which he has rejected, Metro reports, with the club expected to trigger that 12-month extension before the year is out regardless.

Yahoo Sports adds that Fernandes has turned down a second extension offer, and that his existing deal expiring next summer means he becomes free to negotiate with clubs abroad from January.

The uncertainty has built against a turbulent backdrop at the club. Michael Carrick was sacked on Thursday following a 4-4 draw against Aston Villa, Yahoo Sports reports, a decision that followed a difficult start to the season despite United's strong finish to the previous campaign.

Carrick's departure came weeks after a public disagreement with Fernandes over tactics, which surfaced following the 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como. Fernandes was dropped for the following Premier League fixture against Bournemouth, and the pair later held clear-the-air talks at Carrington, according to Yahoo Sports.

Fernandes nonetheless led tributes to his former manager, posting a photograph of the two shaking hands on Instagram with the message: "Thanks for everything, boss."

Harry Maguire was the first United player to react publicly, writing: "Will always be a legend. Respect. Thank you."

Metro reports that Fernandes's form has dropped since being named the division's best player last season, and that his public criticism of Carrick's approach has not helped his standing at the club.

Yahoo Sports reports United have identified Mauricio Pochettino, currently head coach of the United States, as a leading candidate to replace Carrick on a permanent basis.

United face a narrowing window to resolve Fernandes's contract before he is free to talk to clubs outside England in January, while any move for Paz would have to contend with Real Madrid's buyback clause and his stated preference for life in Serie A.