Fernandez hits Ratcliffe with “supercharged” jive at Manchester United | Football News

By • March 14, 2025

The Manchester United co-owner says that some players are “overpaying,” but the club captain protects his teammates.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandez says it’s not the players’ fault for the club to sign because co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has fought back on allegations that he was “overpaying.”

Fernandez was chosen for praise by Ratcliffe, who said in various media interviews this week that some of the United teams were “not enough.”

The United captain set an example by booking a place in the quarterfinals of the Europa League, earning a hat-trick in Thursday’s 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad.

He then defended his teammates after Ratcliffe singled the signatures of Casemilo, Rasmus Hoilund and Andre Onana.

“You can’t relax at this club. You know that you’re getting big standards, lots of attention from the media, from anywhere,” Fernandez said.

“Obviously, it’s not good to hear certain things. I don’t think players like hearing criticism or things they’re talking to you, you’re not enough, or you’re overpaying, etc.

“Everyone has their own contracts. The club agrees to make a contract when you come here, when you have a new contract, etc. It’s about yourself and proves that you are important to the club.”

Soccer Football - Europa League - Round 16 - Second Leg - Manchester United V Real Sociedad - Manchester, UK - March 13, 2025 Manchester United's Bruno Fernandez celebrates second goal Reuters/Filnoble score
Fernandez celebrates Manchester United’s second goal scoring against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford. [Phil Noble/Reuters]

The Europa League is United’s only hope to save a disastrous season so far.

Reuben Amorim’s team finished 13th in the Premier League and came out of both domestic cup competitions.

Fernandez revealed he had the opportunity to leave Old Trafford last summer, but reiterated his desire to win more trophies as captain.

“I was sitting at the club because I had an offer to leave,” the Portuguese midfielder added. “We talked about the possibility that I might leave or stay at the club.

“They said what they wanted from me. I asked if they still saw me as part of the club’s future. I spoke at the time. [former manager, Erik] 10 HAG too.

“He was very clear with me. The club was very clear with me. They thought I would be a big part of this rebuilding. We thought we could succeed.”

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur - Manchester, UK - January 14, 2024, Manchester United owner Jim Ratcliffe and former manager Alex Ferguson will not be used in Reuters/Carl for fraudulent audio, video, data, equipment lists, or using Club League logos or live logos. Online in-match usage is limited to 45 images and there is no video emulation. It is not useful for bets, games, single club/league/player publications.
Jim Ratcliffe, the left of the centre, co-owner of Manchester United, speaks to former manager Alex Ferguson at the Old Trafford stands. [Carl Recine/Reuters]

Despite the return of Fernandez, who has 15 goals as United’s outstanding performer this season, he is still receiving criticism from one of his predecessors as the club’s captain.

Roy Keene claimed that the 30-year-old is “not a fighter” and that he is “not a talented person” in recent media appearances.

Fernandez said the former Irish midfielder, who won 13 major trophies for United, is someone who wants to “respect on a massive scale” and change Keene’s mind.

“I’m trying to do something I’m doing on the pitch to try to change his mind, or something that he thinks is probably a good thing,” Fernandez added.

Amorim says that in order to rediscover the glory that it had before, he “needs more Bruno.”

Of Fernandez’s 15 goals this season, six games have appeared in six games.

“I think he’s very important to this team. You can see it in the numbers and you can see it from these last games. He’s the guy who always scores,” Amorim said.

“When you play for this team, you have to prepare for the critics. And I understand that former players have a lot of success here and their standards are so high that they can sometimes see something like black and white.

“In life, it’s not just black and white. There are a few other colors, and you need to understand the context.

“Again, he’s always there and he’s doing his best and I’m really proud to coach a player like him.”


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