Bruno Fernandes Responds to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Comments on Manchester United’s Player Contracts
In the world of football, where opinions are as varied as the fans themselves, Manchester United’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, has found himself at the center of a heated discussion. The Portuguese midfielder recently addressed comments made by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who suggested that some Manchester United players are overpaid. Fernandes, known for his leadership on and off the pitch, didn’t hold back in his response, reminding everyone that “the club agrees to do the contracts.”
During a series of interviews, Ratcliffe, who is 72 years old, praised Fernandes, calling him a “fabulous footballer.” However, he didn’t extend the same compliment to other members of the squad, labeling them as “not good enough” and “overpaid.” This sparked a wave of reactions, especially after Fernandes’ stellar performance in the Europa League, where he scored a hat trick to secure a 5-2 aggregate win over Real Sociedad.
Fernandes, ever the diplomat, defended his teammates, saying, “It’s not nice to hear certain things obviously. I don’t think that any player likes to hear criticism or things that are talked about to you, that you’re not good enough or you’re overpaid or whatever.”
He continued, “Everyone has their own contract. The club agrees to do the contracts at the time you come here or at the time you do a new contract or whatever and it’s about yourself proving that you can be important for the club.”
Roy Keane’s Criticism and Fernandes’ Response
While Fernandes received praise from Ratcliffe, he wasn’t immune to criticism from former United captain Roy Keane. Keane, known for his no-nonsense approach, remarked that Fernandes “is not a fighter” and that “talent is not enough.” Despite these harsh words, Fernandes has been a crucial player during a challenging period for Ruben Amorim’s team, scoring six goals in his last six games and being directly involved in 11 of United’s last 13 goals.
When asked about Keane’s comments after the victory over Real Sociedad, Fernandes took the high road. “Everyone has an opinion and that’s fine,” he said. “I can’t change the minds of people. Like everything I have to do is go on the pitch and try to do the best I can for the club.”
He added, “Roy Keane was an amazing captain for the club, one of the best as everyone says. He’s massively respected by everyone and has all my respect. He has to give his opinion in a programme and this is what he thinks about me.”
Fernandes’ Perspective on Growth and Improvement
Fernandes, who is 30 years old, acknowledged that he has room for growth, both as a player and as a person. “What I’m doing on the pitch to try to change his mind, or trying to do something that he probably sees as a good thing. Obviously, I do it in my own way, I don’t want to copy anyone,” he explained.
He continued, “I have a lot of things to improve, not only as a captain but as a player, as a person, as a human being and that’s fine. Criticism is going to be always part and it’s going to make me grow and understand that there’s still a long way to go.”
Key Takeaways
- Bruno Fernandes defended his teammates against Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments about being “overpaid.”
- Fernandes has been a key player for Manchester United, scoring six goals in his last six games.
- Despite criticism from Roy Keane, Fernandes remains focused on improving his game and proving his worth on the pitch.
In the end, Fernandes’ response to both Ratcliffe and Keane highlights his maturity and dedication to the game. As he continues to lead Manchester United, fans can expect him to keep proving his critics wrong with his performances on the field.
Originally Written by: Rob Dawson
