Manchester United supporters picked up on what Bruno Fernandes did immediately after the Red Devils’ embarrassing Carabao Cup penalty shoot-out victory to League Two Grimsby Town.
In the second round match at Blundell Park, United’s captain Fernandes was substituted at halftime by Ruben Amorim, whose team was behind 2-0 following goals from Tyrell Warren and Charles Vernam eight minutes apart.
With Harry Maguire and fellow substitute Bryan Mbeumo scoring late goals and forcing penalties, he helped United regain the lead.
However, United lost in a wild penalty shootout that resulted in 26 penalty attempts, with both goalkeepers stepping up and scoring.
After a string of successful efforts in which players came forward for the second time, Mbeumo crashed his effort against the crossbar to give Grimsby a thrilling 12-11 penalty shootout victory after Matheus Cunha missed the chance to win the match for United.
As security tried to remove the Grimsby supporters from the field, some of them taunted United’s players.
However, social media evidence revealed that Fernandes went above and above to comfort and shield Mbeumo following his expensive mistake, displaying his leadership abilities.
Fernandes is often criticised for his antics on the pitch but fans hailed the Portugal international for what he did for his new teammate.
One fan on X commented: “Bruno Fernandes straight to Bryan Mbeumo to protect his teammate. Harry Maguire & Fernandes leadership is why I have so much respect & admiration for both. Protect them at all costs, just like they do for their teammates & club.”
A second said: “Say what you will about Bruno Fernandes, but he’s a proper captain. He rushed over to Bryan Mbeumo to protect him after his penalty miss.”
A third agreed: “Video showing Bruno protecting Mbeumo after his penalty miss as other players had vanished from the field. Rivalry aside, Bruno Fernandes is a proper captain.”
Roy Keane’s brutal Fernandes verdict
Though Fernandes came off in a good light, former United captain Roy Keane remains a strong critic of the former Sporting CP midfielder.
In a new episode of Stick to Football, Keane claimed Fernandes has “little traits” which are “not good” for a leader and finds it difficult to move on when he is upset over something.
“Even against Arsenal in the first game of the season, he gives the ball away with a little ball in the box and it leads to the goal,” Keane said.
“Little details and you are looking at Bruno’s leadership skills. Don’t let it upset you going into the second half. I’ve heard stuff… if Bruno is upset with something in training, he carries it on for the week.
“People might think I was a narky git, but if something happened, you move on pretty quickly enough. You wouldn’t let it affect your performance. His technical stuff, I’ve said, he’s brilliant. But all these little traits. If he is your captain, one of your leaders, these are not good traits.”
Yet to win this season, United are back in action on Saturday when they take on Burnley at Old Trafford in a 3pm kick-off.
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