Premier League legend slams ‘pathetic’ Man Utd star after derby defeat

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Utd Report

·15 September 2026

Premier League legend slams ‘pathetic’ Man Utd star after derby defeat

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has been chastised for his role in Phil Foden’s red card during Sunday’s derby.

The controversial fixture ended in favour of Manchester City, who escaped Old Trafford with a valuable victory that preserved their perfect record four weeks into the campaign.

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The Cityzens won the game thanks to an Erling Haaland strike that almost all pundits and officiating experts agreed should have been ruled out for offside on Enzo Fernandez.

And yet, this wasn’t enough of an alibi to shield Man Utd from the scathing criticism they received for failing to take advantage of their numerical superiority.

Alan Shearer berates Bruno Fernandes for Foden red card

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Since the 23rd minute, United had an extra man on the pitch, thanks to yet another controversial episode that marred the game.

Fernandes brought down Foden before kicking him, although he was unlikely to reach the ball from that position.

The enraged Man City winger immediately retaliated with an upkick. Match official Michael Oliver gave Foden his marching orders, while Fernandes escaped unscathed.

Many pundits felt the referee’s punishment was excessive, including Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney. Moreover, Gary Neville insisted that Bruno deserved to be booked for his part in the episode.

🚨 FODEN SENT OFF 🟥 Phil Foden sees red for kicking Bruno Fernandes in the groin during the Manchester derby 😳
– Sunday, 13 September 2026

Alan Shearer went further, labelling the Portuguese’s behaviour ‘pathetic’ after falling to the ground in agony to prompt the referee to take action against his opponent.

“I thought the way Bruno Fernandes went down was pathetic,” said the Blackburn and Newcastle legend in his appearance on The Rest is Football podcast (as transcribed by The Sun).

“He helped get Foden off and, yes, he’s kicked out at him a little bit but Bruno Fernandes has also kicked Phil Foden.

“If Phil Foden reacts in the same way as Bruno Fernandes did then both get red cards. So, for me, either both are red or neither of them are,” added the former England captain.

“He’s kicked out, so he’s stupid, OK? But Bruno Fernandes has done the same thing so for me, without doubt, they both should’ve been a red card if Michael Oliver thinks Phil Foden’s is a red card.”

What to make of Bruno’s demeanour against Man City?

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

After establishing himself as the club’s ultimate best player since his arrival in 2020, Fernandes will remain the darling of Man Utd supporters.

However, opinion might be split on this particular occasion, with a section of the fanbase backing the captain for pulling off a manoeuvre that played in his team’s favour (or at least should have), while others might be less appreciative of his mischievous act, especially football purists.

In any case, diving and exaggerated reactions have unfortunately become part of the game, as the referees could overlook challenges that aren’t accompanied by a dramatic fall and perhaps a cry of pain.