Bruno Fernandes responded on Thursday evening to the statements made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe on Monday during his BBC interview. The captain was the only player to receive praise from the Manchester United co-owner, while several of his teammates were labeled as "overpaid" or "not good enough." "It's not nice to hear," said the captain after his hat-trick in the Europa League against Real Sociedad.
Manchester United secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday night, with Bruno Fernandes playing a key role in the triumph.
The Portuguese captain delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick and leading his team by example in a match that was crucial for United’s European ambitions. While the result was a much-needed morale boost for Erik ten Hag’s side, the post-match discussions were dominated by Fernandes’ response to the recent controversial statements made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The club’s co-owner, who recently acquired a minority stake in United and has taken over the sporting operations, gave a candid interview to the BBC earlier in the week, in which he openly criticized several players in the squad. While Fernandes was the only one to receive praise, high-profile names such as Casemiro, Rasmus Højlund, André Onana, Antony, and Jadon Sancho who is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund were explicitly mentioned as being "overpaid" or "not good enough." Ratcliffe’s comments sparked debate among fans and pundits, raising questions about his approach to rebuilding the club and the impact such public criticism might have on the dressing room.
Fernandes, known for his leadership on and off the pitch, did not shy away from addressing the issue. He firmly defended his teammates, both those still in the squad and those who have been loaned out. "I don’t think any player likes to hear criticism or to be told they are not good enough or overpaid," he said after his stellar performance. "But everyone has their own contract. The club agreed to those contracts, and it’s about proving that you can be important to the team." His words reflected a clear message of unity within the squad, despite the turbulence surrounding the club’s hierarchy.
On the pitch, Fernandes let his football do the talking. He was at the heart of United’s attacking play, stepping up to convert two penalties with composure and rounding off his hat-trick in the closing stages to put the game beyond reach. His ability to handle pressure and deliver in crucial moments was once again on display, reinforcing his status as the team’s most influential player. Beyond the goals, he showcased his relentless work ethic, dropping deep to help build attacks, pressing high up the pitch, and ensuring that his teammates remained focused throughout the match.
After the final whistle, Fernandes provided an insight into his future at the club, revealing that his season could have taken a very different turn. "I had a conversation with the club because I had an offer to leave," he admitted. "At the time, I also spoke with (Erik) ten Hag. He was very clear with me, and so was the club they saw me as an important part of this rebuilding process. I believed we could be successful." His words suggested that while his commitment to United remains strong, the club’s sporting direction played a significant role in his decision to stay.
His decision to remain at Old Trafford was not unconditional. Fernandes made it clear that he expects Manchester United to compete for trophies, something that has been lacking in recent seasons. "Of course, I want to win titles," he reiterated. "I want to play in the biggest competitions and fight for the biggest trophies. That’s what I told the club, and that’s also what the club told me they want." This ambition aligns with United’s historical status as a club that demands success, but their current struggles in the Premier League paint a different picture.
Despite the emphatic Europa League victory, the domestic campaign has been nothing short of a disaster for United. Sitting in 14th place in the Premier League, any hopes of qualifying for European football through league position have all but vanished. The only realistic pathway for the club to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League is by winning the Europa League a challenge that will require consistency, resilience, and a far stronger performance level than what they have shown domestically.
For Fernandes, the responsibility of leading the team through this difficult period weighs heavily on his shoulders. His leadership has been evident not only in his performances but also in his willingness to address difficult topics head-on. While Ratcliffe’s comments may have caused unrest within the squad, Fernandes’ response served as a rallying call, urging his teammates to prove their worth on the pitch rather than get caught up in external noise.
As United prepares for the crucial months ahead, Fernandes' role will be more vital than ever. If they are to salvage something from what has been a turbulent season, their captain will need to continue leading by example. With Europa League success now their primary objective, Fernandes’ performance against Real Sociedad was a statement of intent both for himself and for the team. Whether United can rise to the occasion and meet his expectations remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: their captain is ready for the fight.
