Fri Mar 14 16:34:01 UTC 2025: ## Manchester United Captain Defends Teammates Amidst Co-Owner’s Criticism

**Manchester, England** – Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has hit back at co-owner Jim Ratcliffe’s criticism of the club’s players, defending his teammates against claims of being “overpaid” and “not good enough.” Ratcliffe’s comments, made in several media interviews this week, singled out some players and expensive signings, including Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, and Andre Onana, as contributing to the club’s struggles.

Fernandes, who scored a hat-trick in United’s Europa League victory over Real Sociedad on Thursday, emphasized that player contracts are agreed upon by the club and are not the players’ responsibility. He acknowledged the intense scrutiny surrounding the club but stated that the criticism was unwelcome.

Despite the pressure, Fernandes revealed that he rejected an offer to leave Old Trafford last summer, committing to the club’s rebuild under manager Erik ten Hag. He reiterated his ambition to win trophies with Manchester United.

Fernandes’s strong performance this season, with 15 goals, hasn’t shielded him from criticism. Former United captain Roy Keane recently called Fernandes “not a fighter,” a critique that the current captain acknowledged, stating that he respects Keane’s opinion and is striving to prove him wrong.

Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim, who previously coached Fernandes, praised the midfielder’s importance to Manchester United and urged the team to replicate his determination and work ethic. Amorim emphasized that judging players requires considering the broader context and not just focusing on negative aspects.

United’s season has been largely disappointing, with the Europa League now their only remaining chance for silverware. Fernandes’s staunch defense of his teammates highlights the internal tensions at the club amidst a season of underperformance and external criticism.

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