26 February 2024 , 03:00
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Bruno Fernandes has been dubbed "pathetic" after a clip has surfaced of the Manchester United captain appearing to feign injury during the 2-1 defeat by Fulham.
The Red Devils skipper endured one of his worst performances of what has been an underwhelming campaign so far, both individually and collectively, with his play-acting a particularly low point. The incident in question came moments after Harry Maguire had cancelled out Calvin Bassey's opener.
United were frantically searching for a winner and Fernandes tested his luck from range. His long-range shot was comfortably saved by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno, but as the Portugal international struck the ball, he was closed down by Cottagers midfielder Sasa Lukic.
Despite television cameras showing that there was minimal contact between the pair, Fernandes went down clutching his ankle and started to writhe around in 'agony' on the turf. Referee Michael Oliver was not convinced and quickly told the midfielder to get up as he jogged past.
Oliver's instruction went ignored by Fernandes, who continued to act injured - that was until he clocked that no free-kick was coming and United were still on the attack. At that point, he rose to his feet and quickly demanded the ball from his team-mates.
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This whole debacle did not evade the attention of eagle-eyed fans online, who were quick to voice their fury at Fernandes. One United supporter wrote: "Normally a big Bruno fan but this is PATHETIC.
Another disgruntled fan added: "As a United supporter I can almost see why so many people say Bruno isn’t fit to be captain. I just think he’s really passionate though."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Was Fernandes' conduct "embarrassing"? Comment below
Bruno Fernandes took his anger out on referee Michael Oliver at full-timeFollowing the captain thread, one neutral fan claimed: "Manchester United should better give back the captain armband to Maguire before they regret it." Another simply declared: " Bruno Fernandes is embarrassing...."
One went as far to suggest Fernandes' conduct sums up wider issues at United at the moment: "You've got to be embarrassed that your captain behaves like that. He's part of the problem."
Fernandes' poor afternoon didn't end with his dodgy dive. He was also seen furiously ranting at referee Oliver come the end of the game, over what exactly is unclear, but he was not bothered about giving the official both barrels in full view of his manager Erik ten Hag.
United were on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat after Alex Iwobi bagged a 94th-minute winner to heap more misery on the Red Devils, as well as more pressure on Ten Hag.
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