Bruno Fernandes was part of the Manchester United side which lost 2-1 to Brighton in the FA Cup on Sunday, as their hopes of winning a trophy this season were all but extinguished
TOPSHOT - Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder #08 Bruno Fernandes reacts to their defeat on the pitch after the English FA Cup third round football match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on January 11, 2026. Brighton won the game 2-1. (Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications.
TOPSHOT - Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder #08 Bruno Fernandes reacts to their defeat on the pitch after the English FA Cup third round football match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on January 11, 2026. Brighton won the game 2-1. (Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications.
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Manchester United have been forced to release a statement after Bruno Fernandes' X account was hacked. United captain Fernandes lost control of his profile just hours after their defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup.
The Portuguese, 31, played the full match as United were beaten 2-1 at Old Trafford. Fernandes' day went from bad to worse when his account on social media platform X, which boasts 4.5million followers, was hacked.
The first in a series of bizarre posts read: "Join Macclesfield FC. Excited for the future." It comes after sixth-tier Macclesfield knocked holders Crystal Palace out of the cup on Saturday.
Fernandes' account then said: "Let's get rid of INEOS," the company which co-owns United through Sir Jim Ratcliffe. United fans protested against Ratcliffe both during and after Sunday's loss.
In addition, the account shared a number of X-rated posts. They included derogatory remarks towards female footballer Alisha Lehmann, social media star KSI and pornographic film actress Bonnie Blue.
United stepped in to release a statement shortly after 11:30pm. "Bruno Fernandes's X account has been hacked," the club posted on X. "Supporters should not engage with any of the posts or direct messages."
But Fernandes' account remained compromised. "Make sure you guys stay alert for any hacks," it replied to United. "f*** no way, i'll spread the word," the hacker also wrote.
Other posts included: "1v1 fifa @LukeTheNuke180 [Luke Littler]," and: "jake paul beat AJ [Anthony Joshua] but you aren't ready for that conversation."
Bruno Fernandes' X account
Bruno Fernandes' X account was hacked(Image: )
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Even the England cricket team got a mention, ridiculing their 4-1 defeat to Australia in the Ashes. "joining @englandcricket as they need all help they can get."
All of the posts on Fernandes' account have now been deleted. However, as of 6am on Monday, two reposts haven't been undone.
What also can't be undone is United's cup exit. Just like in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, Fernandes and his team-mates have fallen at the first hurdle.
Bruno Fernandes' X account
Manchester United released a statement(Image: )
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The Red Devils will now only play 40 games this season. That's the fewest amount since their 1914-15 campaign was interrupted by World War I.
Caretaker manager Darren Fletcher challenged United's players to not let the season slip away. "They have to dig in, show they want to be part of Manchester United's future, learn from this," Fletcher told reporters at his post-match press conference.
"And ultimately, if you're not, then I don't think you should be here or will be here. Sounds strong, but that's just the reality and the way it should be."
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