Arsenal title winner Paul Merson has questioned Manchester United's decision to hand Bruno Fernandes a new contract.

United announced on Friday that the Portuguese star had committed his long-term future to the club having agreed fresh terms until June 2026, with an option to extend it by a further year.

"Bruno Fernandes' contract situation is an interesting one and pretty much sums up where Manchester United are as a club at the moment," Merson told Sportskeeda.

"I'm not saying he's a bad player by any stretch of the imagination, but how can they give someone a five-year contract when they haven't even got a permanent manager?

"What if a new manager comes in and doesn't quite fancy Fernandes, because there's every chance coaches won't like the way he throws his hands up in frustration or his style of play.

"He's a good player and I like him, but he hasn't set the world alight at Manchester United this season.

"I just find it a bit strange that they've given a massive long-term contract to a player when they haven't sorted out their managerial dilemma, it's a big call by the club."