Bruno Fernandes was caught on camera mingling with Aston Villa supporters from the substitute bench during Manchester United’s defeat to the Midlands. The Portuguese midfielder was forced to leave due to injury and watched the game unfold from the dugout.
A hooded Fernandes could be seen reacting to Villa fans as they jeered at them. “You’re singing more for me than for the team,” he said with a big smile. “Don’t be angry, I always score against you.” The Villa faithful responded with sarcastic applause as United staff ushered Fernandes back to his seat and into the game.
The Red Devils captain’s enjoyment didn’t last long as Morgan Rodgers scored twice, either side of Matthies Cunha’s goal, sealing Unai Emery’s side’s 10th straight win. Fernandes was unable to add to his impressive record against Villa in the first half.
The 31-year-old found the back of the net more times against Villa than any other opponent. The United talisman has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 13 games.
After the loss, he had precious little to celebrate and received worrying news about his injury. Fernandes faces the prospect of being out for a month.
Coach Ruben Amorim expressed uncertainty about the extent of Fernandes’ injury, saying: “It’s a soft tissue. I think he will lose some games.” “I’m not sure. Let’s see. I don’t know. I don’t know what to say about something you can’t control.”
“He’s a guy who’s always in good shape, so he might recover quite a bit. I think Koby Mainu will be out as well and Bruno will be out as well. We’ll see. We won’t make excuses, we need to win the next game and we’ll try to win the next game too.”
Despite the absence of key player Fernandes, former United captain Gary Neville felt United were superior against Villa. He was encouraged by the performance under Amorim’s leadership.
“I think it was a really good performance, but it cost us the two goals,” he said. “It will continue to happen while they don’t have players like Harry Maguire or Matthijs de Ligt and they don’t have players who can make them stronger.
“I don’t think they’re anywhere near good enough to be in the top three, but there are a few things we’ve seen in the last two games. One is obviously the manager has changed. The system that he said he would never change – five or three at the back, two in midfield, two wing-backs and three up front – has been thrown out the window in the last two games, which is a good thing.”
