Fulham midfielder and Bruno Fernandes’ international teammate Joao Palhinha has claimed Manchester United’s captain feigned injury to ensure he received a booking during the clash at Craven Cottage in November.
Pundits and opposition fans have often criticised Fernandes for being ‘over-dramatic’ during matches, whether this be with his attitude towards referees’ decisions or his teammates. Back in February, also against Fulham, Fernandes was spotted trying to deceive the officials during the defeat at Old Trafford.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Palhinha told Danny Murphy that he has been on the receiving end of his friend’s behaviour during matches. “I remember with Bruno when we played Manchester United at home in November. I received a yellow card,” he reflected.
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“I didn’t touch him and he was completely screaming. It is normal for him!
“The next play, I drove with the ball and he made a tackle. It was not a foul but I screamed as well because he did the same. The ref gave the foul but didn’t give him a yellow card. I smiled at Bruno.
“It is special when it happens inside the pitch. We are friends so everything is OK.
“The Portugal players have a good relationship even outside the pitch. We keep in touch and after games always talk in our dressing rooms.”
Recently Fernandes has been showing the best side of his game to help United out during a difficult patch. On Saturday he scored twice to rescue a point away at AFC Bournemouth.
While the result could have been worse, United dropped to 7th following Newcastle’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur. They will drop further on Sunday if West Ham beat Palhinha’s team at the London Stadium.
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