Graeme Souness didn’t exactly hide his disdain for Bruno Fernandes after Liverpool hung seven goals on Manchester United in March 2023. He called the Portuguese midfielder’s body language appalling. He said Fernandes was obviously not a leader. It was about as brutal a critique as you’d hear from a former Liverpool captain.
Three years later? Souness is singing a completely different tune.
In a recent column for The Telegraph, where Souness sized up Portugal’s World Cup chances and praised Cristiano Ronaldo, he specifically mentioned Fernandes alongside Ruben Dias, Rafael Leao and Matheus Nunes as world-class talents. That’s a hell of a climbdown from where he was in 2023.
“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,” Souness wrote. “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.”
One Season Changed Everything
Fernandes basically had two different jobs last season. Under Ruben Amorim, he played deeper as a playmaker. Then Michael Carrick moved him back to the No. 10 spot in mid-January. Didn’t matter. He finished the Premier League campaign with a league-leading 21 assists — reportedly worth 24 points in terms of team results. He also scored nine goals across all competitions and added another assist for good measure.
The man was named Premier League Player of the Season and won the FWA Footballer of the Year award. United finished third, which means Champions League football returns to Old Trafford this fall. That’s not nothing.
Souness took it even further. He suggested Fernandes would have been right at home playing for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. “He’s a difference-maker and he accepts responsibility,” Souness wrote. Coming from a guy who spent years dunking on United players, that’s about as close to an apology as you’re going to get.
Not Bad for a Guy People Keep Doubting
Fernandes has spent his entire United career under a microscope. Roy Keane went after him publicly. Fans have debated whether his on-field antics help or hurt the team. But the numbers don’t lie — since arriving at Old Trafford, he’s been one of the most productive midfielders in Europe. The assists total last season was the best in the Premier League.
One quiet moment: Fernandes didn’t have much to say on the pitch Wednesday when Portugal drew 1-1 with Congo in their World Cup group opener. But that’s one game. The bigger picture is that United have a player entering the final year of his contract, and according to recent reports, the club is already working on a new deal. If Souness is now a fan, that’s probably a good sign Fernandes has arrived.
Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
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