As Manchester United prepare to face Manchester City at the Etihad this Sunday, captain Bruno Fernandes is not letting critics get under his skin.
After enduring months of scrutiny from former United legends Roy Keane and Gary Neville, Fernandes has chosen to focus on his own perspective rather than outside opinions.
United Legends Question Fernandes’ Leadership
The Portugal midfielder has been under the microscope for his leadership and behaviour on the pitch.
Roy Keane, in particular, has repeatedly called Fernandes and his teammates “bluffers,” suggesting their words lack weight and credibility.
Meanwhile, Gary Neville has labelled Fernandes’ actions as petulant, highlighting his gestures toward officials and teammates during matches as questionable examples for younger players.
Keane’s “bluffers” remark came after United suffered a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle in April, marking their 14th league loss of the season and equalling a club record.
Neville has also criticized Fernandes’ on-field demeanor in previous matches, including calling his animated gestures during a 2023 defeat to Liverpool “embarrassing.”
Fernandes Responds With Calm Perspective
Speaking to the BBC ahead of the derby, Fernandes addressed the criticism head-on.
Asked what people often get wrong about him, he responded with a pointed but measured answer:
“Nothing. People have an opinion about me and I can’t change that.
It’s the way people want to judge you based on what they see on the pitch, on television, or in interviews,” Fernandes explained.
He added, “They can have an opinion about me and that’s fine. We all have different opinions, that’s why life is interesting and different.
I don’t judge people until I know them, and I expect the same courtesy.”
Fernandes’ Performance Speaks for Itself
Despite the scrutiny, Fernandes’ record at United remains impressive.
Last season, he finished as the club’s most productive player with 19 goals and 18 assists across all competitions.
This term, he has already made an impact, scoring the winner in United’s 3-2 victory over Burnley before the international break.
Derby Stakes: United vs City
United enter the Manchester derby with four points from their first three Premier League games, looking to halt City’s dominance in the fixture.
Pep Guardiola’s side, meanwhile, have lost their last two league matches after opening the season with a win and will be eager to bounce back in front of their home fans.
Fernandes’ focus remains on delivering on the pitch, proving that performance, rather than opinion, is what truly matters.