Manchester United Captain, Fernandes Hits Back at Ratcliffle’s Criticism

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has hit back at claims by co-owner Jim Ratcliffe that some players are “overpaid” and “not good enough.”

Fernandes was singled out for praise by Ratcliffe, who also said some of the United squad were “not good enough” in a range of media interviews this week.

The United captain led Manchester United to a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Thursday, scoring a hat-trick that secured their spot in the Europa League quarter-finals.

He also defended his team-mates after Ratcliffe singled out the signings of Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana as examples of expensive deals made before he arrived at the club, which United are still paying for.

“We can’t relax at this club. You know that there’s a big standard, a big attention that you get from the media, from everywhere,” said Fernandes.

“It’s not nice to hear certain things, obviously. I don’t think that any player likes to hear criticism or things that are talked about to you, that you’re not good enough or you’re overpaid or whatever.

“Everyone has their own contract. The club agrees to do the contracts at the time you come here or at the time you do a new contract or whatever and it’s about yourself, proving that you can be important for the club.”

The Europa League is United’s only hope of salvaging a miserable season so far.

Ruben Amorim’s men sit 13th in the Premier League and are out of both domestic cup competitions.

Fernandes revealed he had the chance to leave Old Trafford last summer but reiterated his desire to win more trophies as captain.

“I sat with the club because I had an offer to leave,” he added. “We talked about the possibility of me leaving the club or staying.

“They said what they wanted from me. I just asked if they still see me as part of the future of the club or not. I spoke at the time with (former manager, Erik) Ten Hag also.

“He was very clear with me, the club was very clear with me, that they thought I would be a big part of this rebuild. I thought that we could be successful.”

Not even Bruno Fernandes’ impressive tally of 15 goals this season, which has made him Manchester United’s standout performer, has shielded him from criticism.

Former United captain Roy Keane publicly questioned Fernandes’ tenacity, labeling him “not a fighter” and stating that “talent is not enough.”

Despite Keane’s harsh words, Fernandes expressed his deep respect for the legendary Irish midfielder, who won 13 major trophies with United, and hopes to prove Keane wrong.

“What I’m doing on the pitch to try to change his mind or trying to do something that he probably sees as a good thing,” added Fernandes.

“Obviously, I do it in my own way, I don’t want to copy anyone.

“I try to be the best captain that I can for my team-mates, I try to help everyone in the best way I can and the best way I know.”