Bruno Fernandes demonstrated his leadership by stepping in to protect Manuel Ugarte after Manchester United's draw with Burnley. The United captain pushed former teammate Hannibal Mejbri away from Ugarte following the final whistle at Turf Moor.
Ugarte, who started alongside Casemiro in midfield, delivered one of his best performances of the season. His precise pass led to Benjamin Sesko's second goal, giving United a brief lead. However, Burnley equalised through Jaidon Anthony's spectacular strike.
Throughout the match, Ugarte had an ongoing feud with Mejbri, a United academy graduate who left for Burnley in 2024. After the final whistle, Mejbri appeared to invade Ugarte's personal space, prompting Fernandes to intervene. Footage captured Fernandes pushing Mejbri away and guiding Ugarte towards the tunnel with a firm hand on his shoulder. Lisandro Martinez also expressed disapproval, delivering a verbal rebuke to Mejbri.
Earlier in the match, Ugarte had mockingly patted Mejbri on the back after he received a yellow card for diving. Mejbri, known for his fiery character, had been expected to become a midfield mainstay at United before his £5.5 million transfer to Burnley.
Fernandes was substituted on the hour mark for Mason Mount, as part of a pre-planned minutes restriction following a hamstring injury. Caretaker manager Darren Fletcher confirmed: 'I didn't want to take Bruno off, but that was the plan from the club, from the medical staff, from the coaches.'
