Manchester United to Officially Protest Missed Penalty Call in Bournemouth Draw Manchester United have announced plans to formally lodge a complaint with the head of referees at the Premier League’s governing body, PGMO, over a missed penalty decision during their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Friday. The club claims the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) failed to intervene when Amad Diallo went down in the penalty area under pressure from Adrian Truffert, a moment that could have altered the course of the match. United were leading 1-0 at the time, having secured an early penalty from Bruno Fernandes. The team had expected to extend their advantage had the second penalty been awarded, but Bournemouth equalized shortly after through Ryan Christie. The missed opportunity, combined with the subsequent goal, left United with a draw that cost them crucial points in their pursuit of a Champions League spot. Manager Michael Carrick expressed frustration over the decision, calling it “crazy” that Harry Maguire was sent off for a foul on Evanilson while Truffert escaped punishment for an “identical” challenge on Diallo. Carrick emphasized the inconsistency in the officiating, stating, “We should have had another penalty. Either way, the ref got one wrong, but to give one and not the other, I can’t get my head around it.” He argued that the missed penalty led to chaos in the second half, as Bournemouth capitalized on the error to level the score. Fernandes echoed Carrick’s sentiment, highlighting the disparity in how similar incidents were handled. “We get a penalty against us where more or less it’s the same situation as Amad. One is rewarded as a penalty, the other not.#manchester_united #bournemouth #bruno_fernandes #amad_diallo #adrian_truffert
Harry Maguire's Red Card and Penalty Conceded Cost Manchester United Two Points in Draw with Bournemouth Manchester United defender Harry Maguire was sent off for a controversial red card during a Premier League clash against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Friday, March 20, 2026. The incident, which occurred after Maguire conceded a penalty, directly led to Bournemouth equalizing and securing a 2-2 draw. The home side, having trailed twice, managed to salvage a point despite the setback. Maguire, who had been recalled to the England squad earlier that day, shifted from hero to villain in the match. His actions began with a defensive error that forced Bournemouth’s James Hill into an own goal, giving Manchester United an early lead. However, the momentum shifted when Maguire failed to clear a cross, allowing Alejandro Jimenez to pull the shirt of Matheus Cunha and concede a penalty. Captain Bruno Fernandes converted the spot-kick to put United ahead in the 61st minute. Bournemouth responded swiftly, with Ryan Christie equalizing six minutes later by curling a well-placed shot past United goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The visitors regained the lead in the 71st minute when Fernandes delivered a corner that struck Hill’s arm, prompting a penalty. Hill, under pressure from Maguire at the back post, accidentally sent the ball into his own net. The turning point came in the 78th minute when Maguire was shown a red card for a reckless tug on Evanilson’s shirt. Bournemouth capitalized immediately, with substitute Junior Kroupi confidently slotting the penalty into the net. United’s defense held firm through over 10 minutes of stoppage time, ensuring the draw.#manchester_united #harry_maguire #bournemouth #bruno_fernandes #alejandro_jimenez
Anton Stach has become a central figure in Leeds United's efforts to remain competitive in the Premier League, blending humor with tactical importance. Known for his unassuming demeanor in interviews, his Instagram presence reveals a different side, marked by his role in social media memes and his contributions to the team's set-piece strategy. As Leeds face an eight-game stretch critical to their survival in the league, Stach's ability to balance the "silly and serious" aspects of football has been vital. The midfielder, who has been heavily involved in key draws this season, has drawn comparisons to Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes due to his set-piece expertise. Stach leads the Premier League in creating chances from dead balls with 27, matching Fernandes' tally. His efforts have directly contributed to 13 of Leeds' 37 league goals via set-pieces, a record higher than any other team. Four of these goals stem from his direct involvement, underscoring his impact. Stach's precision and timing have been key to Leeds' success in dead-ball situations. His expected assists from set plays (2.29) rank among the top three in the league, with Fernandes, Declan Rice, and James Garner also in the same category. His ability to deliver accurate crosses and create scoring opportunities has made him a linchpin in Daniel Farke's midfield. Beyond set-pieces, Stach's physicality and aggression align with Farke's tactical demands, as he frequently recovers the ball in the attacking third, ranking second in possession wins in that area. Despite Leeds' recent winless streak of five league games—the longest of the season—Stach remains a focal point. His role as a "chief courier of passes" and his work rate have been critical to the team's structure.#premier_league #leeds_united #bruno_fernandes #anton_stach #daniel_farke
Manchester United in de race voor Champions Leagueplaats: focus op Fernandes Manchester United staat op het punt om een plek in de Champions League te bemachtigen. De Engelse topclub heeft de laatste weken een uitmuntende prestatie geleverd, met opvolgende overwinningen en een verminderde kans op puntverlies. Michael Carrick heeft zijn rol als aanvoerder opnieuw onderbouwd, en na de overwinning op Aston Villa staat de club vijf punten voorop in de strijd om de vierde plek. De ploeg uit Manchester staat nu vijf punten boven Liverpool, de nummer vijf van de Premier League. De komende wedstrijd tegen Bournemouth, de tienste van de competitie, is van vitaal belang. De Engelse topclub moet in de slotfase van de competitie niet verzwakken om zijn positie te versterken. Bruno Fernandes blijft de centrale figuur in deze fase. De Portugees is in elke duel van cruciaal belang en levert regelmatig goalcontributies. Zijn prestaties zijn essentieel voor de kans op een Champions League-ticket. Fernandes' invloed op de wedstrijd tegen Bournemouth is van groot belang. Zijn vermogen om doelpunten te scoren, zelfs van buiten de zestien, kan de wedstrijd beslissend maken. De middenvelder staat centraal in de wedstrijd en zijn prestaties bepalen de kans op een overwinning. Zijn rol in de aanval is onmisbaar voor de voortgang van de club in de competitie. De competitie is op dit moment gevoelig, en een verlies zou de positie van Manchester United op de ladder kunnen schaden. De club moet blijven winnen en de druk op de concurrenten verhogen. De focus op Fernandes en zijn bijdrage aan de aanval is dus cruciaal voor de toekomstige doelstellingen van de club. De wedstrijd tegen Bournemouth is een belangrijke stap in de richting van een Champions Leagueplaats.#manchester_united #premier_league #bournemouth #aston_villa #bruno_fernandes
United Secures Key Points in Bournemouth Clash After Second-Half Surge Manchester United claimed crucial league points in a dramatic encounter against Bournemouth, capitalizing on a second-half onslaught that included four goals and a red card. The match, which saw both teams trade blows, ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw, leaving United in a strong position for the race for European qualification. The first half was a tense affair, with Bournemouth holding a slight edge. The breakthrough came in the 61st minute when Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty for United. The spot-kick was awarded after Álex Jiménez pulled down Matheus Cunha, prompting a swift response from the hosts. Just six minutes later, Cyrus Christie equalized for Bournemouth, sending the home crowd into celebration. United regained the lead shortly after, as Bournemouth defender James Hill inadvertently headed the ball into his own net under pressure from Harry Maguire. The goal sparked a surge of confidence for United, but their lead was short-lived. In the 75th minute, Evanilson outmaneuvered Maguire to score, and the Brazilian was then sent off for a second yellow card. The penalty was swiftly converted by Junior Kroupi, leveling the score at 2-2. The draw leaves United at 55 points, just three points behind third-place Aston Villa, with Liverpool and Chelsea also in the mix for top-five finishes. A spot in the top five is now seen as a realistic path to Champions League qualification. Injuries continued to affect both teams, with United missing key players such as Matthijs de Ligt, Tyrell Malacia, and Joshua Zirkzee. Bournemouth also had Justin Kluivert sidelined due to a hamstring injury. The match highlighted the competitive nature of the league, with both sides showing resilience in a tightly contested encounter.#manchester_united #bournemouth #bruno_fernandes #alex_jimenez #matheus_cunha
Bruno Fernandes Hits 100 Assists, Overtakes David Beckham in Premier League Season Bruno Fernandes reached a milestone by securing his 100th assist for Manchester United during a 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on March 15, 2026. The Portuguese midfielder played a pivotal role in the match, setting up two of United’s goals. His assist for Casemiro’s header and a precise pass to Matheus Cunha led to the latter’s goal, while Benjamin Sesko added a third with a late strike. Aston Villa’s Ross Barkley scored a consolation goal, but United’s attacking dominance proved too much for the visitors. Fernandes’ achievement also marked a historic moment, as he surpassed David Beckham’s record for the most assists in a single Premier League season by a Manchester United player. Beckham had recorded 16 assists during the 1999/2000 campaign, a feat Fernandes matched and surpassed in the 2025/26 season. Fernandes’ 16 assists in the Premier League that season broke the previous record, with eight more assists remaining in the competition. Speaking after the match, Fernandes expressed pride in breaking Beckham’s record. “Obviously, it’s very nice to beat someone like Beckham, who was one of the best players in the way of crossing and passing,” he said. He recalled how fans often imitated Beckham’s iconic free-kick celebrations in their gardens, even if they didn’t focus on the ball as much. “Like everyone in their own garden tried to do it like Beckham and was doing it, even if you’re just swinging your arm,” he joked. Fernandes emphasized that the milestone was a reflection of his team’s success rather than personal glory. “It’s not going to change anything for what I want, but being there with a name who everyone looks up to is special,” he added.#david_beckham #manchester_united #aston_villa #bruno_fernandes #ross_barkley
Manchester United's Head Coach Michael Carrick asserts the club "definitely" cannot afford to lose Bruno Fernandes in the summer, despite ongoing speculation about the Portuguese midfielder's long-term future at Old Trafford. Fernandes, who is under contract until 2027 with a release clause valued at approximately £57 million, hinted at potential departure in December when he suggested he might leave the club at the end of the season. This followed his earlier rejection of a lucrative offer from Al Hilal in 2023. Carrick, however, emphasized the club's desire to retain the 31-year-old, stating, "Bruno's definitely not someone we'd want to lose. He's important for us and definitely not one we would want to lose." The midfielder's importance was highlighted during Manchester United's 3-1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa on Sunday, where he provided two assists, bringing his league tally for the season to 16—surpassing David Beckham's previous record of 15 set in the 1999-2000 campaign. His first assist came from a corner kick, leading to Casemiro's opening goal. The home crowd serenaded Fernandes with chants of "one more year, one more year, Casemiro," reflecting their appreciation for his contributions. Carrick acknowledged the emotional moment but noted the likelihood of a final decision on Fernandes' future. "When something's decided, it makes things easier for everyone," he said. "The impact he's had since I've been here has been terrific. He's an influence in the team, especially in big moments and scoring goals." The win, which moved United to third place in the Premier League with 54 points and eight games remaining, is critical for their pursuit of a Champions League spot next season.#manchester_united #premier_league #michael_carrick #aston_villa #bruno_fernandes
Best FPL Captain for Gameweek 30: Joao Pedro and Bruno Fernandes Lead the Charge Joao Pedro and Bruno Fernandes emerge as the top contenders for the FPL captaincy in Gameweek 30, outperforming Erling Haaland in both form and fixture suitability. Both players have home matches this weekend, facing Aston Villa and Newcastle United respectively, while Haaland and Manchester City are away to West Ham United. Their recent performances and strategic advantages make them strong choices for maximizing points. The recent managerial changes at Chelsea and Manchester United have significantly boosted Joao Pedro and Fernandes’ success. Over the past eight Gameweeks, Joao Pedro has scored 76 points, while Fernandes has accumulated 60, far surpassing Haaland’s 32. Joao Pedro’s consistency is highlighted by his only blank in that period, a match against Arsenal, where he netted eight goals and provided six assists. Fernandes’ 60 points are nearly double Haaland’s tally, showcasing his dominance. Joao Pedro’s teammate Cole Palmer has also thrived under new manager Liam Rosenior, ranking third in points scored with an average of 8.0 per match. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo has overtaken Haaland as the team’s top Fantasy performer since joining, scoring 52 points and outperforming Haaland by 20 points. Semenyo’s advanced role as a forward has been crucial, with goals in his last two appearances. Analyzing attacking potential, Joao Pedro leads with 14 big chances over the past eight Gameweeks, the highest among all players. His 25 shots in the box also rank top during this period. Fernandes, while having fewer big chances of his own (three), has created 11 for his teammates, totaling 14 involvements—twice that of Haaland and Semenyo.#liverpool #erling_haaland #joao_pedro #tottenham_hotspur #bruno_fernandes
Michael Carrick sends subtle Bruno Fernandes message to INEOS after Fabrizio Romano reveals ‘serious proposals’ Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has emphasized the significance of Bruno Fernandes to the club, sending a message to co-owners INEOS amid ongoing speculation about the attacking midfielder’s future. Fernandes, 31, has been a consistent performer for the Red Devils, contributing both goals and assists across multiple managers. His recent display in a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace highlighted his value, as he scored a penalty and assisted Benjamin Sesko’s goal, helping United move up to third in the Premier League. Fernandes’ performance against Palace marked a milestone, making him the third player in Man Utd history to reach over 100 goals and 100 assists, following Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs. The Portuguese star is set to face Newcastle United in the Premier League on Wednesday, with his season tally of seven goals and 14 assists already impressive. Carrick praised Fernandes’ impact, stating in a pre-match press conference that the player’s contributions “sum up Bruno as a character” and that his place in club history is “irrelevant” to him. Despite his importance, Fernandes’ future remains uncertain. The player is under contract until the summer of 2027, with an option for an additional year. While he has previously turned down offers from Saudi Pro League clubs, Fabrizio Romano reported that interest from Saudi teams persists. Romano noted that Fernandes received “serious proposals” from Al-Hilal, including “very big offers,” during the 2023 transfer window. The midfielder chose to stay at Old Trafford, prioritizing his role in helping the club succeed. Romano emphasized that financial considerations are not the primary factor in Fernandes’ potential departure.#manchester_united #michael_carrick #fabrizio_romano #bruno_fernandes #ineos
Bruno Fernandes' future at Manchester United remains uncertain as the club's captain weighs his options for the upcoming summer transfer window. The Portuguese midfielder, who is under contract until 2028, is expected to make a decision by the end of the season, with his choice hinging on two key factors: whether United qualify for the Champions League and whether Michael Carrick remains as the club's permanent manager. Fernandes, 32, has been a central figure in United's squad and has consistently delivered under pressure, but his decision to stay will depend on the club's ambitions. United's co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and other senior executives are eager to retain the player, offering a new contract worth up to £400,000 per week. However, Fernandes has made it clear he will not seek details about the club's summer signings, emphasizing his focus on whether United's goals align with his own. The captain's priorities include securing Champions League qualification and ensuring Carrick's long-term role. Carrick, who took over as interim manager in November, has been praised for his leadership and tactical adjustments, and Fernandes has expressed confidence in his ability to lead the team. The pair share a strong rapport, which could play a crucial role in Fernandes' decision-making process. Despite his influence in the dressing room, Fernandes has not demanded guarantees about the club's future plans. Instead, he is waiting for the season's conclusion before engaging in further discussions with United's hierarchy. He is also set to represent Portugal at the upcoming World Cup in North America, which will provide him with additional time to evaluate his options.#manchester_united #michael_carrick #world_cup #bruno_fernandes #sir_jim_ratcliffe
