BRUNO FERNANDES has defended himself after Gary Neville branded him a “disgrace” for his on-pitch antics.
The Manchester United star has argued that his behaviour on the pitch is part of his competitive nature.
GettyBruno Fernandes has hit back at criticism of his on-pitch behaviour[/caption]
GettyGary Neville had called the Portuguese midfielder a ‘disgrace’[/caption]
But his actions, such as waving his arms and requesting to be subbed during the loss to Liverpool have not gone down well with pundits, such as club legend Neville.
However, Fernandes, 28, has insisted that his behaviour is never intended to be disrespectful to opponents.
The midfielder told Sky Sports: “Sometimes I go over the line.
“But I never try to be disrespectful with anyone. We are all competitive and we all want to win.
“The way I play and feel the game, the passion I feel for it, is how I feel better and how I give the most for my team and to my club. That’s why I play in that way.
“I’ve also been like that since I was seven years old, I don’t want to lose my game – I am really competitive and want to give to push and give the best of myself.
“And I demand the others to give the best of themselves.
“If I see someone on the pitch and I’m trying to say something to them, it’s because I believe they can do better. Sometimes I can even be giving credit to them but in the television you can’t see that.
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“You see the waving of the arms, but that doesn’t mean that you’re moaning at someone. It’s sometimes the way you can express yourself on the pitch.
“With 75,000 at Old Trafford, it’s difficult to feel or listen to other people, so you have to make gestures with your hands.”
Fernandes has enjoyed a good season at Old Trafford under new manager Erik ten Hag, and he is trusted to be the on-pitch captain.
He has scored ten goals and assisted 13 more in all competitions.
The midfielder and Man United are back in Premier League action on Sunday as they take on Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.