Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes found himself at the centre of a heated confrontation with Aston Villa supporters during a disappointing 2-1 defeat at Villa Park on Sunday, 22nd December 2025.
Injury Mars Captain's Performance
The match proved to be a miserable affair for the Portuguese midfielder. He started the game, continuing his record of featuring in every Premier League match this season, but was forced off at half-time with a suspected hamstring injury. Fernandes had initially tried to play through the discomfort felt in the first half, but could not continue. He was replaced by defender Lisandro Martinez.
Speaking after the final whistle, United manager Ruben Amorim confirmed the severity, stating Fernandes had likely sustained a soft-tissue injury and could be sidelined for a 'while'. A dejected Fernandes watched the second half from the sidelines as Villa sealed their victory.
Fiery Exchange with Home Support
While largely a frustrated spectator, fan-captured footage revealed a tense moment between Fernandes and a section of Villa fans seated behind the United dugout. After reportedly receiving sustained taunts, the United skipper was heard retorting: 'You sing more for me than for your team! You sing more for me than for your team!'
He followed this with another pointed remark: 'Don't be angry because I score always against you. Don't be angry.' The exchange only concluded when a fan shouted, 'Sit down, you rat!', prompting Fernandes to take his seat to loud, sarcastic cheers from the nearby supporters.
Rogers Inspires Villa to Tenth Straight Win
The day ultimately belonged to Aston Villa and their in-form forward, Morgan Rogers. He scored twice, including a superb winner just before the hour mark, to secure a tenth consecutive victory in all competitions for Unai Emery's side.
Matheus Cunha had briefly drawn United level just before half-time, cancelling out Rogers' opener. However, Rogers' second goal ensured all three points for Villa, who firmly established themselves in the title race. The result leaves them just three points behind leaders Arsenal and one point behind Manchester City after 17 games. Manchester United, in contrast, sit seventh, ten points behind Villa.
Amorim insisted his team were unlucky, saying: 'I think we were the better team today. We were unlucky, even with the injury of Bruno, but during the game even without him we were the better team... We deserved so much more today but the better team did not win.'
United will aim to bounce back when they host Newcastle United on Boxing Day. Fernandes, meanwhile, faces a race to be fit for the hectic winter schedule, undoubtedly eager to let his football do the talking once more.
