Pep Guardiola has reportedly used a clip of Bruno Fernandes as an example of how not to behave on the pitch, showing it to his Manchester City players earlier this season. The Manchester City manager highlighted the Manchester United captain's reaction after Phil Foden scored in City's 3-0 win over United in September, according to The Athletic.
In the clip, Fernandes was seen fuming with his teammates as City celebrated. Guardiola made it clear that such overtly berating teammates is unacceptable, even though the manager himself is often animated on the touchline.
Fernandes' Season of Brilliance Amid Controversy
Bruno Fernandes has had a stellar campaign, providing a record-breaking 21 assists in the Premier League and winning both the Premier League Player of the Season and the Football Writers' Association Player of the Year awards. Despite his quality, his on-field behavior has long divided opinion.
Roy Keane famously described Fernandes in 2023 as "the opposite of what I would want in a captain" after a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. Gary Neville also criticized him after United's 7-0 loss to Liverpool in March 2023, calling his performance "an absolute disgrace" and saying he was "embarrassing at times."
Criticism and Maturation
Fernandes has since been praised for improving his leadership. Neville noted in March 2025 that the "whinging" he had previously criticized has "definitely tempered" and that Fernandes has "matured." Neville added, "I think his leadership is getting better."
Guardiola's use of the clip underscores his emphasis on team unity and professionalism, even as Fernandes continues to be a polarizing figure in English football.
