Bruno Fernandes reached out to congratulate Raphinha after their Champions League demolition.
Barcelona chalked up a huge win in the Champions League to demolish Newcastle 7-2 at the Nou Camp.
Former Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga actually scored twice for Newcastle – but it was a humiliating night for the Premier League also-rans.
Barcelona dealt out a humbling result, winning 7-2, and 8-3 on aggregate, to dump Newcastle out of the competition.
Raphinha scored twice for Barcelona, once in each half, and also provided two assists. It was a masterful performance, and one that Bruno Fernandes appreciated.
Fc Barcelona V Newcastle United - Uefa Champions League 2025/26 Round Of 16 Second Leg
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Bruno Fernandes message to Raphinha
Bruno Fernandes reached out on Instagram to congratulate Raphinha on his latest big impact.
The Brazil international winger scored a hat-trick at the weekend in the win over Sevilla, and has now scored 19 goals this season.
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Manchester United’s captain posted to his Instagram story, with a series of emojis to show his appreciation for Raphinha.
Bruno Fernandes message to Raphinha
Manchester United were too slow with Raphinha
Manchester United were shrewd in the transfer market to sign Bruno Fernandes in 2020. It was one of the club’s best ever deals.
One of Fernandes’ favourite teammates at Sporting had already left to sign with Rennes in 2019, before signing for Leeds for £17 million in late 2020.
This was a deal Manchester United needed to make, at a time when the club was busy chasing Jadon Sancho.
United eventually signed Sancho in 2021 for £73 million, and it was a total waste of money. Raphinha was a better player, available at a fraction of the price.
Fernandes has been on record praising his connection with Raphinha from their time together, and United would have been smart to consult him.
“The chemistry between me and him was really good. I didn’t play with him for a long time at Sporting, but I felt he was a team-mate who would give everything for me,” he was quoted via Goal.
The pair have continued their friendship despite last playing together in 2019, and you can only wonder what might have been if United had brought Raphinha to Old Trafford at the time.
It wasn’t a deal on United’s radar – because he was not enough of a big name for Ed Woodward at the time.
Fernandes’ message after Raphinha’s big night was a reminder of what could have been, if United had a little more vision.
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