‘Sometimes he goes over the top’: Gary Neville doubles down on his criticism of Bruno Fernandes as he insists his behavior on the pitch IS a problem for Man United… after the midfielder hit back by accusing pundits of ‘complete lies’
Gary Neville has again criticized Bruno Fernandes’ behavior after the Manchester United midfielder tried to defend his actions on the pitch.
Fernandes was widely criticized for his on-pitch antics during United’s humiliating 7-0 defeat at Liverpool last month, when he waved his arms at his teammates in frustration before shoving a linesman in the dying minutes of the match.
He recently tried to explain himself by insisting that he is never disrespectful to his teammates and that his gestures are misunderstood, while also lashing out at pundits who criticize him.
“I never try to be disrespectful to anyone. 75,000 at Old Trafford, you have to gesture with your hand,” Fernandes told Sky Sports.
“We know that experts have things to say. It’s about my teammates being happy, if they’re not I want them to tell me.”
Bruno Fernandes believes his behavior on the pitch is disrespectful to his teammates
Gary Neville disagrees, saying Fernandes’ antics have become a problem for Man United
Erik ten Hag has continued to support Fernandes despite concerns about his behavior
Commenting specifically on the 7-0 thrashing at Anfield, Fernandes added: ‘Most of the things that were said after that game were complete lies. People said that because I raised my arms, they thought I said something I didn’t say.
“The experts always want to say something bad, they want to get the credit and attention of the people outside.”
Asked for his reaction to Fernandes’ comments, Neville refused to change his mind about the Portuguese star, while also claiming he is not the only United follower concerned about the way Fernandes expresses himself.
“I don’t talk to any United fan who likes the way Fernandes behaves, especially when the team is losing, when he throws his arms around,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“As a footballer he has been fantastic for United, his goals and assists. He says he doesn’t cause a problem if he throws his arms around himself, he does.
“I played with Roy who would dish out daring every now and then. In recent years at United there have been players who are whining, which I think is a different kind of criticism, it doesn’t help young players.
“I cried out when Cristiano did it a few years ago, I don’t like it. Direct criticism is fine. He’s passionate, he’s emotional, he gets involved with the referee. I have no problem with that.
“Every United man I speak to feels the same, sometimes he goes over the top.”
Despite appearing to lose his cool at Anfield, Fernandes continues to receive the support of manager Erik ten Hag and remains a key player at Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old is United’s second top goalscorer in all competitions this season behind Marcus Rashford and is expected to start this afternoon’s game against Nottingham Forest as the Ten Hag men look to strengthen their hold on a top four spot.