Bruno Fernandes’ actions when the Mariners supporters invaded the Blundell Park pitch have gone viral. While Manchester United may have been in complete shock as the final whistle blew, people connected to League Two team Grimsby Town saw it as nothing less than chaos.
Over the summer, there was a positive vibe surrounding the Premier League team’s performance under Ruben Amorim. The results of their preseason tour and the recruitment of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko were reasons for optimism.
But it’s been a poor start to the season for the Red Devils – they lost 1-0 to Arsenal in their 2025/26 curtain-raiser, drew with Fulham the following weekend before their lowest point thus far: a penalty shootout loss to Grimsby in the Carabao Cup second round.
Fernandes’ Post-Match Actions After Man Utd’s Loss to Grimsby Go Viral
United players looked around in shock after goals from Tyrell Warren and Charles Vernam in the first half, but Harry Maguire’s late equalizer via a header from the back post and Bryan Mbeumo’s left-footed drive leveled the score in the 89th minute.
Andre Onana’s troubles continued as he was contacted on four of Grimsby’s twelve penalties after that.
Cunha, a summer addition to United, had a chance to win it for the Red Devils by taking their fifth spot kick, but Chrisy Pym, a lifelong Red, stopped his 12-yard attempt. Mbeumo’s strike against the crossbar in the second penalty round ended the game.
Security quickly hurried those in red down the tunnel to the changing room while Grimsby supporters, as anticipated, flooded the field to celebrate with their players. After missing his penalty, Mbeumo walked glumly back to his teammates, looking upset.
Fernandes hurried over to assist the Cameroon international, who is currently considered to be among the top players in the Premier League, in leaving the field with security and a United employee after noticing that he was being besieged.
At halftime, as Amorim’s team was trying to rally, the 30-year-old Portuguese midfielder took Manuel Ugarte’s place. Fernandes was heavily involved, completing 48 of his 57 (84%) passes and taking 65 touches, including one in the opponent box.
He has been criticized for his on-field petty behavior ever since he replaced Harry Maguire as captain, but his most recent acts may indicate that Amorim-led United needs his leadership given their current situation.
Amorim implied in his post-game interview that his team’s performance versus the League Two team was a powerful statement. “I think the way we played, the way we faced the competition – when everything is so important, I think the players spoke really loud about what they want today.”
Leave a Reply