Bruno Fernandes has expressed his feelings about Manchester United’s dressing room atmosphere – and even had a swipe at British cuisine.
A Portuguese footballer who plays for Manchester United complaining about the club’s facilities - sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
Fernandes has not enjoyed a good start to the season on the pitch. From a team perspective, United have underperformed and are without a win in five games.
Their last victory was a 7-0 win over Barnsley on September 17.
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Since then, United have struggled to four draws and an embarrassing 3-0 home defeat against Spurs two weeks ago. Following the dismal spell, United’s board met earlier this week.
Erik ten Hag’s future was one of several topics discussed, according to Sky Sports.
Like most of his teammates, Fernandes has failed to impress so far this season.
So much so that fans called for him to be substituted at half-time during United’s 0-0 draw at Villa Park last Sunday.
In seven league appearances this season, the 30-year-old has failed to score and registered just one assist.
But it’s his disciplinary record that has been the big talking point. Fernandes was sent off in back-to-back games, the first against Spurs for a mistimed tackle on James Maddison. This was overturned, and he did not have to serve a three-match ban.
Just as Fernandes may have been feeling better, he was sent off four days later. This time during United’s 3-3 draw away at Porto on October 3.
Fernandes admitted that United were not in a “positive moment” when speaking during this week’s international break. The midfielder is on duty with Portugal, who play Poland on Saturday evening before a trip to face Scotland on Tuesday.
He then stressed how the national team’s environment was “completely different”.
“I've felt very at ease, the dynamics are good,” Fernandes explained.
“I'm in my country, I speak my language, and I have better food.
“I have demonstrated a good level in the national team.
“It's a space where I feel good, and I feel like I can enjoy my football at a very high level, due to the dynamics we have and the quality I have at my side.”
Of course, the ‘food’ comment may not be something to read into too deeply, but his counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo referenced a similar issue during his interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored in 2022.
“Even some points of technology, the kitchen [has not improved],” Ronaldo told Morgan.
“The chefs, which I appreciated… stopped in time, which surprised me a lot.”
Topics: Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes, Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
Luke Davies