Manchester United's loss at Nottingham Forest witnessed another flare-up courtesy of skipper Bruno Fernandes, sending yet another reminder all is not well at Old Trafford
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Updated 13:39, 02 Apr 2025
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester United FC at City Ground
Bruno Fernandes' Manchester United loyalties are once again being tested following defeat at Nottingham Forest
(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Alarm bells are again ringing at Manchester United following their midweek defeat at Nottingham Forest. The Red Devils entered the recent international break in decent form but resumed their campaign with a third straight Premier League loss to Nuno Espirito Santo's side.
The performance was a collage of all the things that have come to frustrate United fans in recent years: gaping holes in defence, lacking conviction in attack, and energy spent in all the wrong places. To that latter point, Bruno Fernandes' lash out at Forest captain Ryan Yates and the furore that followed is an example of the kind of drama United's skipper should be above.
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Fernandes' frustrations - whether that be with the opposition or his own team-mates - have become a calling card of a man seemingly in turmoil. The Portugal international is often celebrated as United's best player - at least in a technical sense - and the one inspiring drive in those around him, but there's only so much one can do before losing faith.
The cracks that intermittently emerge aren't helped by rumours that continue to link Fernandes with the Old Trafford exit, and big clubs are reportedly interested. Mirror Sport examines the playmaker's current situation as his United struggles persist, with one former coach at the club touting him for a bright future at the Bernabeu.
Forest bust-up
On a night when everything seemed to go right for Forest, Yates perhaps best encapsulated the notion that one creates one's own luck. The skipper finished the triumph with two fouls to his credit - though one could easily argue other mistimed challenges went unpunished - and even assisted Anthony Elanga's breakaway decider.
Yates pulled off his ploy of man-marking Fernandes with aplomb, doing as he has to numerous elite opposite numbers this season by getting in their heads. And nowhere else was that more effective than when he responded to Fernandes' flicked hand by rolling on the floor as though bludgeoned with a closed fist.
Referee Jarred Gillett assessed the situation and appeared to arrive at the conclusion Yates was indeed exaggerating any offence. But it was the latest sign yet of Fernandes' frayed mindset, giving the opposition precisely what they want when under pressure.
Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes looks on as Nottingham Forest's Ryan Yates breaks during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester United
Forest captain Ryan Yates succeeded in getting inside Fernandes' head at the City Ground
United - who could slip down as far as 15th this week - have proudly flaunted an army of aggressors in the past, tempestuous stars who play on the edge of legality. But that aggression has traditionally been teamed with a certain arrogance, knowing full well they were the 'big team' in any given contest.
The power balance has changed now, though, and such displays now reek of desperation to impress and end this reign of mediocrity. It's in times like these that players tend to take after their captain, but Fernandes continues to exhibit a not-so-cool head with what feels like increasing regularity.
Old Trafford future
It's in times of struggle that loyalties are tested the most, and Fernandes has done well to prove his faith at United thus far. But it would be folly to assume those bonds cannot be broken.
To his credit, the former Sporting CP midfielder has stuck with compatriot Ruben Amorim and has given no public indication he wants to leave. After winning the FA Cup last term, he signed a new contract at Old Trafford until 2027, the best sign a player can give that his future remains committed.
Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United poses after signing.a contract extension with the club at Carrington Training Ground
The playmaker penned a new deal until 2027 last summer(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
"Everybody knows the passion I have for Manchester United," he said last summer. "I understand the responsibility and significance of wearing this shirt, and the levels of dedication and desire required to represent this incredible club.
"I have had so many special moments here already: hearing my name sung from the Stretford End, scoring a hat-trick against Leeds, leading the team out at Old Trafford on European nights and lifting trophies at Wembley. But I wouldn’t have signed this contract if I didn’t believe that my best moments in a United shirt are still to come."
With two years to run on his deal, United have been granted at least a little breathing room in their bid to keep hold of their prized pony. But after sinking to new lows in the Premier League this season, there's a real risk the font of Fernandes' faith finally running dry.
Real Madrid rumours
In the event United were tempted (or forced) into letting the captain leave, only the European elite would be considered genuine contenders. Barcelona have been heavily linked with the player in the past, but it's Spanish rivals Real Madrid who have supposedly raised interest amid talk of a £90million offer.
That figure could be sweet enough for United to cash in on the 30-year-old. Former United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen believes Los Blancos would become all but unstoppable if Fernandes were to complete that particular move.
Carlo Ancelotti during Atletico Madrid vs Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti could offer Fernandes a route out of Old Trafford
"I think people sometimes question the way Bruno Fernandes likes to get his feelings across," he told Poker Firma. "But one thing for me is certain - he’s an absolute winner. He plays all the games, he’s never injured, and he’s very committed to Manchester United and wants the best for the club.
"Every footballer has ambitions. I’m sure he wants to win trophies for Man United, but if a team like Real Madrid were to come knocking for him in the summer, he would fit like a glove there.
"Luka Modric is turning 40 soon and Madrid need someone in midfield with that kind of passing range who can supply Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. With Bruno Fernandes' passing range, Real Madrid would be unbelievable, and their forward line would become even better!"
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