Featured Image Credit: Twitter
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Football, Barcelona, Europa League
Ryan Sidle
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Football, Barcelona, Europa League
Bruno Fernandes was heavily criticised, after the Manchester United star smacked the ball into Frenkie de Jong during the Europa League game.
United were looking to advance into the last 16 of the European competition, against La Liga leaders Barcelona, after a cracking first leg.
Ahead of the game, Fernandes was at the heart of discussions after Barca boss Xavi had described him simply as 'the Portuguese guy.'
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Fans felt that the attacking midfielder was either going to be inspired into a brilliant performance or do something rash and cost his side.
It looked like it was going to be the latter, when he gave away a controversial penalty in the first half, to give the visitors what was a deserved lead at half time.
Fred levelled things up at the start of the second half, and then came Bruno's second controversial moment of the evening, that made him very glad he hadn't already been booked.
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Former United transfer target De Jong went down under a challenge and the ball dropped to Fernandes, out of frustration for a free kick being given, the former Sporting star leathered the ball right into his opponents midriff.
Whilst the 28-year-old could do little wrong in the eyes of the home supporters, fans of other clubs were not so keen on his actions.
"Only footballer in the world who deserves his leg in half," one fan cruelly said.
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"Most dislikeable player," another described him as.
One felt it was an offence that should have landed him behind bars, rather than just the yellow card he got, adding, "Bruno should be arrested for that."
Another reckoned Fernandes would not have enjoyed the same happening to him, replying, "This man is probably such a awful person - imagine his reaction if this was done to him."
Referencing the time Sir Alex Ferguson felt an opponent nearly killed Robin van Persie for a similar incident, a fifth joked, "Presumably the watching Sir Alex Ferguson is horrified that Bruno Fernandes could have killed Frenkie de Jong?"
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And a Leeds United fan definitely didn't let that get in the way of his view of it all, posting, "I may be a biased scum hater but for me what Bruno fernandes did to Frenkie De Jong when he was on the floor should be classed as violent conduct. Red card worthy, or, it should be!"
Fernandes' reaction to De Jong may well have been due to the Dutch midfielder deciding to turn down a move to join him last summer.
Erik ten Hag was desperate to be reunited with the 25-year-old, having managed him at Ajax, but he had no interest in leaving the Nou Camp.
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It may have worked out better for the side from Old Trafford though, as they eventually signed Casemiro in midfield instead, and the Brazilian has generally been very good for them.