“Unfairly assessed”: National team boss launches passionate defence of United star who “never hides”

Bruno Fernandes continues to be the pulse of Manchester United, six years on from first stepping foot at Old Trafford. The Red Devils signed the Portuguese maestro in January 2020 from Sporting, and it turned out to be one of their best decisions in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Fernandes has gone from strength to strength during his time at the Theatre of Dreams and has won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year Award a joint-record four times. The 31 year old has scored 104 goals and set up 99 more from 316 games in all competitions for the Premier League giants to date.

The Portuguese has been wearing the armband since 2023, and has lifted the FA Cup and the EFL Cup during his time with United. However, he has also been subject to criticism and unfair comparisons, with many complaining about his tendency to wear his heart on his sleeve on the pitch.

Portugal national team head coach Roberto Martinez has now spoken about Fernandes and why he deserves much more credit than he is generally afforded.

Teammates react to Bruno’s emotions

Speaking on The Overlap, Martinez insisted that Fernandes is underappreciated at United. He said: “I think he’s very unfairly assessed. I think if we are all very objective, to be the captain of Manchester United in the last three or four years, I bet it’s been incredibly tough at every level.”

“What I appreciate from him is that he never hides. He never hides. I’m not going to value if he makes the right pass or the right execution, but whatever happens, in any action, he’s back. He’s the one, he’s the leader. He’s very emotional, but in a very respectful way by his team-mates.”

“When his team-mates see that Bruno is upset, they react. They know that that’s something. It’s not like he’s an emotional player who just has emotions for emotions and I think that’s the difference with other emotions.”

Never lets anyone down

United legend Gary Neville went on to ask Martinez if he believes the Portuguese’s emotional behaviour can be beneficial, to which the Spanish manager responded: “This emotion is for a reason. There are players who are emotional because that’s the way they cope with it. That’s completely different.”

“I think that can affect other players. When Bruno reacts emotionally it’s because there is something that’s not right and it’s almost a message to somebody. He looks after every player. He would never ever let anyone down.”

“But what I appreciate is the consistency. Last season, he was the player with the most minutes in Europe. If you are the captain of Manchester United, in a tough period, it’s difficult to be available all the time and always be there. I think that’s what Bruno has done.”

Final Thoughts

Bruno Fernandes turned down a move to Saudi Arabia last summer, and continues to be decisive for United this season. The Portuguese has registered six goals and 13 assists from 26 games in all competitions this season, despite operating in an unfamiliar pivot role in the first half of the campaign.

Bruno Fernandes Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Fernandes has been reinstated in his favoured No. 10 role since caretaker manager Michael Carrick’s arrival, and has played a starring role in the club’s recent golden run. However, the Portuguese Magnifico will enter the final year of his contract this summer. If his performances this season are any indication, the Red Devils should do everything in their power to ensure he signs a new deal.

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person suggests that the player is willing to extend his stay at the Theatre of Dreams. If United are to return to their heyday, Fernandes’ renewal could be as important as their planned midfield reinforcements this summer.

Featured image by Michael Regan/Getty Images

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