I forgive him: Bruno Fernandes explains why Alejandro Garnacho refused to celebrate goal with him

I forgive him: Bruno Fernandes explains why Alejandro Garnacho refused to celebrate goal with him

Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho were both on the scoresheet as Manchester United beat Leicester City 3-0.

 

Bruno Fernandes reveals why Alejandro Garnacho refused to celebrate Man Utd goal as fans left concerned

Bruno Fernandes has explained why Alejandro Garnacho did not celebrate his goal in the 3-0 win over Leicester City on Sunday.

 

Ruud van Nistelrooy signed off as United interim boss with a comfortable, with both Fernandes and Garnacho on target either side of an own goal from Victor Kristiansen own goal.

 

Garnacho did not start the fixture and entered the fray in the 57th minute, replacing Marcus Rashford. He scored his seventh goal of the season to seal the win, curling a stunning strike in the top corner after Fernandes fed him on the left.

 

But after such an excellent individual goal, the Argentina international decided against celebrating – with many feeling it was as a result of recent criticism from fans.

 

He was recently involved in an exchange with a supporter who patronised Garnacho, telling him to “pass better, score a goal and work on your first touch”.

 

After the game, captain Fernandes was seen in deep conversation with the Garnacho – before Amad Diallo came over to embrace the pair.

 

And Fernandes confirmed the reason why Garnacho gave a muted celebration having scored his his best goal of the season so far.

 

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was in conversation with Alejandro Garnacho after the win over Leicester City. Image: Getty

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes was in conversation with Alejandro Garnacho after the win over Leicester City. Image: Getty

Speaking to BBC, he said: “Garnacho scored a banger but didn’t celebrate like he should because he thinks he has lost faith from some fans. I told him people will always moan but lots of people like you and enjoy what you do.

 

“I told him to celebrate, it was something special. He is a special player, we have difference makers. They are the ones who win us games. We want them to score every game but that isn’t going to happen.”

 

 

According to a report by Manchester Evening News, Ruud van Nistelrooy has expressed admiration for Bruno Fernandes, highlighting him as a model professional and “example” to his Manchester United teammates.

 

Fernandes, who will make his 250th appearance for United in an upcoming clash against Leicester City, has been consistently available since joining the club in 2020, missing only 13 games, mostly due to illness or suspension.

 

This endurance underscores his commitment and fitness, a fact not lost on van Nistelrooy.

 

Van Nistelrooy stated, “He’s an example of how he lives the game as a professional. And of course, as a captain, he’s leading the team in being a role model in how to be the best professional he can be.

 

Also, helping others in many situations on and off the pitch. He’s a great example and a great captain.”

 

The former United striker also mentioned Fernandes’ influence since becoming captain in the summer of 2023, following Erik ten Hag’s decision to reassign the role from Harry Maguire.

 

Reflecting on Fernandes’ achievements, Van Nistelrooy added, “If you think about it, January 2020 when he came in – it’s now November 2024 and I don’t need to explain how fit you have to be because you have to play all the games.

 

That [shows] how professional you are.”

 

As interim manager, van Nistelrooy has enjoyed his tenure, stating he’s loved the support of United’s fans and players alike.

 

He hinted at his desire to remain at the club, potentially serving as an assistant to incoming head coach Ruben Amorim, who will arrive alongside his backroom team of Carlos Fernandes and Adelio Candido.

 

Van Nistelrooy has also expressed his long-term ambition to manage United permanently someday.

 

Ahead of what will be his final game in charge as interim, Van Nistelrooy acknowledged the special connection he’s felt with fans, saying, “When I took over, you think about this spell of four games and it’s passing so quickly.

 

I’ve enjoyed every moment of this. The connection is there with the players and the fans, and special moments. Sunday is the last one in that sequence and I guess it’s going to be a little bit special. I just want to make sure we are at our best.”

 

 

Van Nistelrooy concluded by thanking the supporters for their “huge” support, adding, “And you can’t imagine walking out of the tunnel to get a reception like that – how it feels and how supported that you feel, to do whatever I can to help make the club better, the players better, and get results.”