If Graeme Souness’ relentless criticism of Paul Pogba taught us anything, it’s that the former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder turned pundit.
Manchester United fans have been critical of some ex-players in recent years for using their platforms to air negative views on their former club.
This past season, Roy Keane went in on a few figures at the club, including Michael Carrick.
One player who didn’t ignore Keane’s criticisms was Bruno Fernandes, who arranged a phone call with the iconic former United captain.
Bruno Fernandes believes Portugal can win the World Cup – Do you agree?
Graeme Souness’ Bruno Fernandes U-turn
Fernandes took issue with Keane’s comments because they carried weight as a former United captain.
It’s different when ex-players of other clubs take an issue with the Portuguese midfielder because – in many cases – it’s simply a matter of trying to criticise anything United-related.
While Souness made many valid points on Pogba when the Frenchman returned to Old Trafford in 2016, the former Liverpool midfielder has now accepted that it’s time to change his tune when it comes to Fernandes.
Fernandes became the first player in Premier League history to record 21 assists in a single season during the 2025/26 campaign. He’s also expected to play a big role in Portugal’s bid to win the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Following a 7-0 defeat to Liverpool in 2023, Fernandes was labeled a disgrace by the former Scotland international.
Souness has changed from thinking Fernandes was a player who gives up to one who stands up and takes responsibility.
In a column for The Telegraph, Souness wrote: “Then you move on to Rúben Dias, Rafael Leão, Matheus Nunes — top, top players. Bruno Fernandes is in there, too. I remember watching him when Liverpool spanked Manchester United 7-0 in March 2023 and I wondered how on earth he could ever be viewed as a leader, as he just gave up.
“I hated seeing his histrionics and the gesturing he did to his own team-mates but, fair is fair, he is coming off a season in which he dragged his team into the Champions League — his 21 assists were worth 24 points, the difference between United finishing third and 14th. His quality is incredible.
“Fernandes would have been right at home in a Manchester City managed by Pep Guardiola, he’s a difference-maker and he accepts responsibility.”
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Graeme Souness has changed his opinion on Bruno Fernandes
- Fernandes has gone from disgrace to a player who stands up and takes responsibility in the eyes of Souness
- Souness believes Fernandes would be fitted in perfectly in a Man City side managed by Pep Guardiola
We have picked our ULTIMATE MAN UTD WORLD CUP XI – Tell us what you would change?
Criteria: They don't need to have been playing for Man Utd at the time of their World Cup heroics
Graeme Souness and Bruno Fernandes share World Cup record
Fernandes, like Souness, has been called up for three World Cups to represent his country on the biggest stage.
Fernandes’ first World Cup came in 2018, he also featured in 2022, and he’s set to play a key role this year at the 2026 World Cup.
Portugal will kick off their World Cup campaign against DR Congo today.
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