Steve McClaren says he only clashed once with Bruno Fernandes, sparked by a moment involving fan reaction. He also compares Fernandes to Roy Keane.
Bruno Fernandes may be one of Manchester United’s most important leaders, but even at Old Trafford, sparks can fly.
Former United assistant manager Steve McClaren has looked back on his time working with Fernandes. describing a heated moment that stood out among an otherwise strong relationship.. McClaren. who served under Erik ten Hag from mid-2022 until departing at the end of the 2023-24 season. said their disagreement was limited. adding that it started after Fernandes did not clap the fans during a match.
That exchange, McClaren explained, came in the aftermath of a painful defeat, when United lost 3-0 to Newcastle at Old Trafford in November 2023. In McClaren’s telling, the issue was less about the skipper himself and more about how the team and players responded in the moments that followed.
Insight: Disagreements like this often reveal leadership styles. For fans, clapping or not clapping can symbolize respect and accountability, even when emotion is high after a disappointing result.
McClaren also stressed that any tension didn’t last.. He said that after the row they moved on quickly. describing it as something that could be resolved the next day. rather than a lingering split between staff and captain.. He added that Fernandes is generally effective with supporters, suggesting the incident was the exception rather than the rule.
In the same reflection, McClaren compared Fernandes’ temperament and drive to Roy Keane, the Old Trafford icon known for intensity.. He pointed to how Fernandes approaches games with urgency and involvement. and suggested that the emotional edge that can sometimes irritate others is also part of what helps players perform under pressure.
Insight: When a captain brings that kind of energy, it can lift standards across a squad. At the same time, it can create friction if the emotion spills into training or match-day moments, especially when results go against the team.
McClaren further described Fernandes as both obsessive about improvement and strongly motivated away from the spotlight. citing his habits and focus during sessions.. He also argued that Fernandes’ passion is a feature rather than a flaw. underlining how that mindset can be the difference between ordinary effort and top-level impact.
Insight: With United still searching for stability, public assessments from former staff like McClaren matter because they help explain not just what Fernandes does on the pitch, but how he carries responsibility when the atmosphere turns.