Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has turned off comments on a recent social media post after being subjected to a wave of online abuse. The 31-year-old featured for Portugal at the World Cup until their last-16 exit at the hands of Spain.
A stoppage-time strike from Arsenal‘s Mikel Merino sealed a 1-0 victory for Spain against Portugal, propelling them into the quarter-finals where they are set to face Belgium. Fernandes took to social media to address Portugal supporters following the nation’s World Cup departure, making his disappointment abundantly clear.
“Sad, frustrated, and disillusioned,” Fernandes wrote on X. “This group of players made my expectations high, not only for the quality, but also for the fact of the incredible group that we built over these years.
“Thank you to all the players, technical team, and all the staff who accompanied and helped us every day during the World Cup. To all the Portuguese, a huge thank you for your support and belief.”
The post subsequently prompted a wave of abuse directed at Fernandes from some Portugal supporters, as well as fans of Cristiano Ronaldo, ultimately prompting the United captain to switch off the comments section. Ronaldo scored three times throughout the tournament, and the legendary forward’s sister, Katia Aveiro, appeared to make her feelings plainly known during the World Cup.
Following Portugal’s opening-game draw with DR Congo, Katia reportedly ‘liked’ an Instagram post that commented on Fernandes’ performance. Accompanied by a photo of Fernandes, the post stated: “This one here is the Raphinha for Portugal. Too much popcorn for the national team.”
In the aftermath of Portugal’s World Cup elimination, manager Roberto Martinez confirmed he would be stepping down from his position as the nation’s head coach. “It’s the end of the cycle,” Martinez told reporters after the game. “It’s important to have a new voice, a new leader.
“I take with myself the memories, and hope that Portugal has good memories in the three and a half years I was head coach of the team. It was the experience of my life.
“It had not been decided previously [that I would leave after the tournament]. I came with the goal to win the World Cup, and because I did not win, it does not make sense to continue.”