Bruno Fernandes' leaked private texts, contract row and last swipe at Michael Carrick

Bruno Fernandes was left on the bench for Manchester United's latest defeat, to Bournemouth. (Image: Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes has been a controversial figure amid the turmoil engulfing Manchester United at the moment. And this isn't the first occasion the club captain has been outspoken about his dissatisfaction throughout his career. Fernandes remained an unused substitute during United's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, appearing dejected during warm-ups and heading straight down the tunnel at the final whistle.

Michael Carrick claimed that it was a footballing decision to keep the Portuguese midfielder on the bench, saying: "Picking the team is always a difficult decision.

"We've got to make what we feel is the right one for the team to try to get the performance we want. Unfortunately for everyone we didn't manage to get the right result. We want to push forward and create more, we could've done certain things but not enough really and that's pretty clear."

Unsurprisingly, the choice did not sit well with the captain, as he reverted to some familiar conduct from past seasons. Here, Express Sport has taken a look at some of Fernandes' contentious episodes throughout his career, including before he arrived at Old Trafford.

Get Manchester United FC news, fixtures, results and transfer gossip plus selected offers and competitions

I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family.

You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info.

Most recently, Fernandes has endorsed a social media post that seemingly hints to United that he 'doesn't care'.

The midfielder's official account reshared a post that read: "Never push a loyal person to the point where they no longer care."

This online interaction followed his bench-warming stint against Bournemouth on Sunday, when the players were booed off the pitch by fans, who directed chants at the Glazers, Jason Wilcox and Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Fernandes was left out by Carrick after questioning the manager's tactics following a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Fernandes explained: "It's a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball."

When asked if he felt the manager got the tactics wrong, Fernandes added: "That's on the manager and staff to see it, not me."

Make sure you don't miss the biggest sports news and strongest opinion by making the Daily Express one of your Google preferred sources

Bruno Fernandes has been in the middle of Manchester United's drama this week. (Image: Getty Images)

Fernandes demonstrated his intensely competitive nature even before pulling on a United shirt, with a fiery outburst while at Sporting CP. The midfielder spent three years with the Portuguese side and once sent a voice note to his team-mates to criticise their poor performances.

In 2020, Portuguese outlet Record quoted Fernandes in the leaked WhatsApp voice message as saying: "Bro, I don't say anything! I honestly, if you want me to tell you, I'd rather not comment on anything. I think very badly of some of the attitude of some players. Actually not a certain attitude, it's an attitude that does not exist.

"There are players who have no attitude here, bro. They don't want to be here, they don't want to play. They don't want to be here then f*** off, let them say they don't want to play. They spend a year here getting money, and then they f*** off, bro. S*** attitude bro, for f**** sake."

Fernandes also criticised the media, which were accused attacking the club, and backed the supporters who had been protesting against Sporting in 2018. He said: "They are focused on talking badly about players and giving news that only causes confusion and s***.

"Just yesterday 'invasion of supporters'. What invasion? They went there to complain, it's their right! They went there to sing and send some words. What do we want? We don't beat anyone and we want what? Applause in all games? That's all I needed, bro! Come and cheer us always! We lost at home against Famalicao and we want to be applauded... Applauded?"

Fernandes had also been dissatisfied with his contract four years previously after rejecting an extension option. The 32-year-old chose to refuse a new deal in 2022, with The Athletic reporting at the time that the club wanted to offer him a well-deserved salary upgrade.

However, the Portugal international's agents turned down the contract, and talks stalled. Fernandes wanted to match his team-mates' wages at the time, with Cristiano Ronaldo on £400,000 a week and the likes of Jadon Sancho, Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani earning £200,000.

The midfielder ultimately penned a fresh agreement in 2024, committing him to the club until 2027 with an option to extend for another season.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy