Wayne Rooney labels Bruno Fernandes' comments after Brentford defeat as 'strange'

Bruno Fernandes' comments in the aftermath of Manchester United's opening day defeat are "strange", according to Wayne Rooney, who has ripped into his former side for their "passive" display against Hull.

Sergej Jakirović's newly-promoted side made a dream start on their Premier League return, as first-half goals from Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy sealed a memorable 2-0 win over heavy favourites United.

Meanwhile, it was an afternoon to forget for Michael Carrick's men. They offered very little going forward and looked stunned by the opposition's aggressive press in the opening stages and throughout.

After the full-time whistle, a disappointed Bruno Fernandes said United were guilty of making the "same mistakes" as last season when playing away from home.

In total, the Reds won just seven of their away games across 2025-26, drawing eight and losing four.

Asked what happened in Saturday's game, Fernandes said: "Same mistakes as we did last season, every away game. We give too much of the ball to them. I think they have, in the beginning of the game – first 20 minutes -- the [Hull] goalkeeper was the one who had more touches on the ball.

"Too much time – I think we need to press a little bit more, we need to be a little bit more aggressive."

Bruno Fernandes pictured after the full-time whistle. Image credit: Getty

Wayne Rooney questions Bruno Fernandes comments in aftermath of Hull City defeat

Speaking on Match of the Day, Wayne Rooney made his feelings clear on Fernandes' remarks. "It’s a strange quote from Bruno [about United making the same mistakes away from home]," Rooney said.

"I think for Manchester United now to build on what they did last season, since Michael went in they finished third in the Premier League and got Champions League football, to build on that you have to become a team who teams are scared of playing against."

Rooney believes United's game plan was exposed by Hull, with this month's pre-season defeat to AC Milan highlighted as a potential blueprint for the newly-promoted side.

"I watched the AC Milan game last week and they [Hull] played the same system, they played with wing-backs and Man United really struggled to deal with that," Rooney said.

"Maybe Hull have seen that game last week and changed it and I think fair play if that’s the case because they looked a really good team today."

He added: "They sat in a mid block, didn’t get any pressure on the ball, I think they won two balls in Hull’s final third, there needs to be more energy in the press, how they go and win the ball back. Today was all too passive."