Bruno Fernandes defends Man United squad after Ratcliffe’s “overpaid” comments
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has pushed back against co-owner Jim Ratcliffe’s suggestion that some players at the club are “overpaid,” saying the responsibility lies with the club for agreeing to those deals.
While Ratcliffe praised Fernandes specifically in his recent media interviews, he also stated that some United players aren’t “good enough.”
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Fernandes led by example on Thursday night, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad to help United secure a Europa League quarterfinal spot.
He came to the defense of his teammates after Ratcliffe cited high-profile signings like Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, and Andre Onana as costly deals made before his arrival that continue to impact the club financially.
“This club doesn’t allow you to relax. The expectations are always high, and there’s a lot of attention from the media and fans,” Fernandes said.
“It’s tough hearing some of these things. No player enjoys being told they’re not good enough or that they’re overpaid.”
“Each player signs the contract the club offers—whether when they arrive or renew. It’s about proving your worth and showing that you’re valuable to the team.”
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Bruno Fernandes celebrates scoring Manchester United’s second goal against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, where he remains a fan favourite [Phil Noble/Reuters]
The Europa League is Manchester United’s last remaining shot at a trophy in what’s been a disappointing campaign.
Under manager Ruben Amorim, the team sits 13th in the Premier League and has exited both domestic cup competitions.
Fernandes also revealed he had the opportunity to leave Old Trafford last summer but chose to stay, driven by the desire to win more silverware.
“I had an offer on the table,” he said. “I met with the club to discuss my future.”
“I asked if they still saw me as part of the plan. I also spoke with [then-manager] Erik ten Hag. Both the club and the coach were very clear—they saw me as a big piece of the rebuild. I believed we could achieve success together.”
Image Caption
Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, centre left, talks with former manager Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, where both are regular attendees [Carl Recine/Reuters]
Despite netting 15 goals this season and being United’s standout performer, Fernandes has still been on the receiving end of criticism, including from former captain Roy Keane.
Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Keane claimed the Portuguese midfielder was “not a fighter” and that “talent alone isn’t enough.”
Fernandes responded with humility, saying he respects Keane deeply and hopes to shift his opinion.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Roy. He’s a club legend. I just want to keep performing in a way that maybe changes how he sees me,” Fernandes said.
Amorim echoed that sentiment, stressing Fernandes’s importance to the squad and hinting the team could use more players like him.
“His numbers speak for themselves—six goals in the last six games. He’s a consistent performer,” Amorim said.
“If you play for this club, you must be ready to handle criticism. Former players have had great success, and they see things through a lens shaped by that. For them, everything is black and white.”
“But life isn’t just black and white—there are other shades to consider. Bruno always gives his all. I’m proud to be his coach