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The former player-turned-pundit criticised Fernandes for his on-field antics and intermittent bickering.
Former Chelsea centre-back Frank Leboeuf has reprimanded Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes for his continued inclination to argue over trivial matters. The 1998 World Cup winner, in his punditry role with ESPN, was responding to the Portugal international’s recent comments on his intensity during games.
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19:15 - 20.03.2024
Everone wants to be like Guardiola — Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes lauds Pep Guardiola as the preeminent coach globally, emphasising Guardiola's remarkable success and transformative influence on the game.
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10:29 - 19.03.2024
What Maguire told Bruno Fernandes about playing defence as Manchester United beat Liverpool
Skipper Bruno Fernandes showcased the exemplary self as he found himself all over the pitch including being in a makeshift back four partnering Harry Maguire in the centre, with winger Antony playing at left-back.
What Bruno Fernandes said
Fernandes is away on international duty with Portugal, and he leapt to defence when asked about his on-field theatrics.
“This [being demanding] often conveys the image of bad temper, because it comes from the way we experience the game, from how we are so intense... and intense players are difficult to understand,” said the Man United captain to A BOLA.
“I have this notion that there are probably a lot of people who don't like certain things I do, but in every locker room I go to, I always say that if a player doesn't feel comfortable with the way I talk to him, with the way I convey the message to you, I am open to not doing it or to trying to do it in another way.
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"I [have] never had that 'don't talk to me like that’ confrontation. I have had the perception of players who feel very down if someone talks to them or if I talk to them. It's a little natural. I don't think much about this issue. Many times it goes well, and many times it goes badly.
“There are people who like it, others who don't like it. There are people who see pointing as bragging, because for us in the field it is difficult to convey messages in the way we are here talking. It's practically impossible. Normally, we have to use our arms more, gesture. We are too far away from each other to be able to understand the messages we want to convey to each other.”
What was Leboeuf’s response to Fernandes?
When asked by anchor Dan Thomas to give his opinion on the daily ESPN FC show, the World Cup and Euro 2020 winner laid into Fernandes.
“I think he should calm down,” said Leboeuf. “I feel like he’s never happy on the field with the referee, the opponent and even with his teammates. He’s annoying, it gets annoying seeing him complain every weekend about everything.
Leboeuf did go on to put some context into Fernandes’ actions, explaining that the Portugal international is simply expressive.
What comes next for Fernandes and Manchester United?
After the international break, Fernandes and Erik ten Hag’s Man United face challenging away trips at Brentford and Chelsea before hosting Liverpool at Old Trafford in a rematch of the pair’s exciting FA Cup 6th round tie, keen to continue their push for a top-four spot in the Premier League.
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