The people's voice of Greater Manchester
Weather Icon
The people's voice of Greater Manchester
X
Weather Icon
Sport
He also set a new record in Europe.
Manchester United have made it through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League following what can only be described as a captain’s performance by Bruno Fernandes, who scored a hattrick to take home the match ball.
He may have been given two penalties to help him on his way but still… can you see where this is going?
Rather amusingly, it didn’t take long for eagle-eyed fans to spot a series of comedic messages written by his teammates once a picture of the ball was shared on social media.
After Alejandro Garnacho posted a picture posing with Bruno Fernandes, it didn’t take much zooming in to spot a couple of sarcastic scribbles from other members of the squad. Who knows who wrote what or what else is written on there? All we know is it gave us a good chuckle.
In case you can’t quite see for yourselves, just to the right-hand side of the ball reads, “How much you paid the ref?”, obviously in reference to him earning not one but two penalties, at least one of which was categorised as ‘soft’ by some.
ADVERTISEMENT
We’re referring to the first instance when Rasmus Højlund (who did almost everything but score on the night as his duck in front of goal goes on) went to ground and did enough to earn them an equaliser through **Bruno**‘s first spot-kick.
Nevertheless, it was one of three penalties awarded on the night and there could have even been a fourth were it not for Patrick Dorgu, who won himself a second pen after falling in the box before ultimately urging the referee to overturn the decision once it went to VAR.
ADVERTISEMENT
A particularly rare moment of sportsmanship which manager Ruben Amorim applauded, telling media “I’m proud of him” – though he did joke he’d think differently if they were still 0-0 at the time.
But besides the penalty jibes, the other discernible message left on Bruno’s match ball that has tickled Reds is the one that reads: “You were still s*** [in the] first of the half of the season.”
Always good to keep your footballing colleagues humble by continuing to take the mick no matter what.
ADVERTISEMENT
As for the man of the match performance itself, it’s been one of a number by the ‘Portuguese Magnifico’ this season and despite Man United legend Roy Keane having taken aim at the 30-year-old regarding his leadership qualities recently, he only seems to have been lofted by the criticism.
In the Europa League, in particular, Thursday night’s hattrick also saw him set the record for the most goal involvement in the competition’s history, with 41 contributions in 53 games.
Amorim, naturally, was full of praise for his midfield talisman, insisting that he can thrive both further up the pitch and in this current deeper role, before going on to say: “He’s a perfect captain for our team and we need to help him to win titles because he deserves a lot.”
You can watch the highlights from the chaotic down below:
Read more:
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — TNT Sports (screenshot via YouTube)/Alejandro Garnacho (via IG)
Sport
Paul Merson slams ‘pathetic’ plans for Manchester United’s new stadium Danny Jones Danny Jones Paul Merson calls Manchester United's new stadium pathetic
Ex-footballer and pundit Paul Merson has branded the recently revealed plans for Manchester United’s new stadium as “pathetic” in a recent interview.
The former Arsenal and Aston Villa turned manager, commentator and TV personality spoke to Sky Sports this week after the CGIs for what some supporters are already dubbing ‘New Trafford’ were shown to the world on Tuesday.
Now, while it’s fair to say the designs have been pretty divisive, for Merson it’s still a headscratcher as to why United supporters want to leave such a historic ground and one that is still the second-largest football stadium in the country for something new and so different.
The 56-year-old didn’t hold back when giving his opinion on the matter, insisting, “If I was a Man United fan I’d be fuming.”
"I think it's pathetic…if I'm a Man United fan, I'll be fuming"
Paul Merson shares his honest opinion on Manchester United's new stadium plans 😨 pic.twitter.com/A74xeKwkpG
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 13, 2025
As you can see, ‘Merse’ begins by saying he has “no interest at all”, adding that he thinks “It’s pathetic […] they’ve got one of the biggest stadiums in the Premier League” and therefore aren’t necessarily crying out for more seats, nor an entirely new sporting arena.
It’s worth noting that Old Trafford’s capacity hasn’t necessarily been the issue or priority in recent years: dated facilities, lack of technology such as screens for VAR and the infamous leaking roof, which has been taken into account by architects Foster + Partners.
“Why would you need a new stadium?”, he asks, before going on to suggest that they “need new players” instead and should be more worried about the team and finishing in the top six, “let alone Champions League.”
It’s no secret that the Red Devils’ steady slump out of the premier European competition has cost them significantly in recent years, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe delivering some alarming revelations about the state of the club’s finances in an interview with Gary Neville prior to the stadium reveal.
Merson summarises his opinion by saying, “I can’t believe what I’ve been seeing over the last couple of days – I’m flabbergasted.” Meanwhile, many people are chiefly concerned with how the stadium is going to be paid for, despite Mayor Andy Burnham’s reassurance that “no public money” will be used.
‘New Trafford’ is set to cost £2 billion and could be completed within five years.
Merson might have very strong opinions on Man United building a new stadium, to begin with, but what we’ve really enjoyed is seeing people’s reactions to the admittedly striking design.
The 100,000-seater venue will be the biggest in the UK, with its main features including a giant tent-like eco-friendly weather-shielding roof as well as three tall spires to mirror both the trident on the club’s badge and carry over the historic ‘Trinity’ theme.
However, not everyone can agree on whether it’s a masterpiece or an eye-sore…
We went out On The Street in Manchester to see what people made of it:
Read more:
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Sky Sports/Foster + Partners
Sport
Soccer Aid is back for 2025 and returning to Old Trafford Danny Jones Danny Jones soccer aid manchester old trafford tickets 2025
One of the biggest, best and most wholesome charity events on the UK TV and sporting calendar is coming around once again for 2025 and we can’t wait to have it back home: that’s right, Soccer Aid is back at Old Trafford.
The annual charity match on behalf of UNICEF first kicked off at the Theatre of Dreams almost two full decades ago, with the inaugural fixture set up by Robbie Williams back in 2006.
Fast forward to 19 years later and the fantastic fundraising game has grown massively, attracting huge attendances and practically sold-out crowds whenever it comes to Old Trafford, where this whole wonderful thing first started.
Sharing the first trailer for the game this week, the Soccer Aid 2025 is shaping up to include some serious big personalities from football, sport, entertainment and beyond.
As you can see, not only will the next instalment of Soccer Aid feature familiar faces but there are some new kids on the block ready to mix things up.
First off, not only will Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney be serving as player/manager for the first time – carrying on the baton from the days Robbie running on and off the pitch – but he will also be joined by none other than Tyson Fury in looking after the Three Lions.
This a first for the event so we hope there are no fisticuffs between the gaffer and his assistant. After all, they both have priors when it comes to getting out the boxing gloves.
As for the World XI’s technical area, actor Vicky McClure (This Is England, Line of Duty) will also be on the touchline alongside English footballing veteran Harry Redknapp. Meanwhile, ex-national team and Man City goalie, David James, will be serving as the keeper coach.
You can see the full Soccer Aid 2025 player lineup down below:
Steven Bartlett
Leonardo Bonucci
Alex Brooker
Jermain Defoe
Diamond
Toni Duggan
Mo Farah
Angryginge
Tom Grennan
Joe Hart
Steph Houghton
Kaylyn Kyle
Paddy McGuinness
Gary Neville
Nadia Nadim
Lee Mack
Wayne Rooney
Paul Scholes
Jill Scott
Sam Thompson
Louis Tomlinson
Sam Quek
Better yet, the exhibition’s beloved halftime show also returns this year and while the full list of the performers is yet to be confirmed, we have our money on a few names in particular.
Who knows, maybe we’ll be ‘loving angles instead’?…
Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 gets underway this summer on Sunday, 15 June and besides being for a deeply important cause, one of the best parts about it is that the tickets are always affordable.
With general admission already live, tickets start from £20 for adults and just £10 for kids – plus there are plenty of premium packages and accessible options too.
Grab yours HERE.
Read more:
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — Press Images (supplied)/The Manc Group
Copyright © 2025 The Manc