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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has pushed back against co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s recent comments, in which the billionaire questioned the quality and value of certain members of the squad. Speaking after his stellar hat-trick performance in United’s 4-1 Europa League victory over Real Sociedad, Fernandes defended his teammates and emphasized the need to prove themselves on the pitch.
Ratcliffe, who recently took a significant stake in the club, raised eyebrows earlier this week when he publicly criticized several United players, including Rasmus Højlund, André Onana, and Casemiro, suggesting they were “not good enough” and “overpaid.” His remarks added further tension to an already challenging season for the Red Devils.
In response, Fernandes dismissed the notion that players should be judged solely on their contracts and wages. “It’s not nice to hear certain things, obviously,” the Portuguese midfielder said. “No player wants to be told they’re not good enough or overpaid. Everyone has their own contract—agreed upon by the club at the time of signing—and our focus is on proving we can be important for the team.”
The criticism appeared to fuel the squad, as the trio of players Ratcliffe mentioned delivered strong performances against Real Sociedad, helping secure United’s spot in the quarter-finals against Lyon. Fernandes, the driving force behind the win, stressed that maintaining high standards and focusing on individual improvement were key to success at the club.
“We can’t afford to relax at this club. There’s always a big standard to uphold, and the media scrutiny is immense,” he said. “You have to focus on your game and keep improving.”
Fernandes also revealed that he had contemplated leaving United last summer before signing a contract extension until 2027. “I had an offer to leave, and I spoke with the club to understand their vision,” he shared. “They were clear that they saw me as a big part of the rebuild. I believed in that project, and that’s why I stayed.”
However, the season has not gone as planned, with Erik ten Hag losing his job due to poor results. Fernandes acknowledged that the team as a whole had to take responsibility. “It wasn’t just the manager; we all had a part to play in the performances,” he admitted. “Now we are in a different moment with a new manager who has a different approach. I’m still happy at the club and eager to contribute.”
Beyond Ratcliffe’s remarks, Fernandes has faced his own share of scrutiny. Former United captain Roy Keane recently criticized his leadership, claiming he lacked the fighting spirit expected of a Manchester United skipper. However, Fernandes took the comments in stride.
“Everyone has an opinion, and that’s fine,” he said. “Roy Keane was an amazing captain, one of the best in the club’s history. He’s respected by everyone, including me. But my focus is on being the best captain I can be in my own way.”
Despite the off-field drama, Fernandes remains determined to guide United to success. With a Europa League quarter-final against Lyon on the horizon, he knows the team must continue proving their worth. A victory in the competition could secure a much-needed return to the Champions League next season, offering a silver lining to an otherwise turbulent campaign.
As Manchester United prepare for their upcoming Premier League clash against Leicester, Fernandes and his teammates will look to silence their critics with performances on the pitch rather than words off it.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash / Nat Callaghan, Instagram / @manchesterunited
