Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes demonstrated his fierce protective instincts, physically intervening to shove former teammate Hannibal Mejbri away from Manuel Ugarte in the fiery aftermath of Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw at Turf Moor.
Captain's intervention defuses post-match flashpoint
The tense situation erupted moments after the final whistle in Darren Fletcher's debut match as United's caretaker manager. Hannibal Mejbri, the Tunisian midfielder who left Old Trafford for Burnley in 2024, appeared to invade Ugarte's personal space in a clear attempt to provoke the Uruguayan.
Fan-captured footage from the scene shows Fernandes stepping in decisively. The Portuguese skipper placed himself between the two players and forcefully pushed Mejbri away from his current teammate. Fernandes then fixed his former colleague with a stern glare as he guided Ugarte towards the tunnel, keeping a firm hand on his shoulder throughout.
A feud simmering throughout the match
The post-match confrontation was the culmination of an ongoing feud that spanned the entire 90 minutes. Earlier in the clash, Ugarte had mockingly patted Mejbri on the back after the Burnley player received a yellow card for diving.
Mejbri, a product of United's academy who joined Burnley for an initial fee of around £5.5 million 18 months ago, has long been known for his fiery on-pitch temperament. Once tipped to become a mainstay in United's midfield, he was clearly keen to make an impression against his old club.
United defender Lisandro Martinez also voiced his disapproval, appearing to deliver a verbal rebuke to Mejbri as the teams finally separated.
Mixed bag for Fletcher's United in Turf Moor draw
The match itself ended in a share of the points, with Jaidon Anthony's spectacular equaliser cancelling out Benjamin Sesko's brace for the visitors. Sesko's second goal, which gave United a temporary lead, came from a move started by Ugarte's precise pass to Patrick Dorgu.
Ugarte, who started alongside Casemiro, delivered one of his best performances of the season during his 84-minute stint before being replaced by Shea Lacey.
Fernandes was substituted on the hour mark for Mason Mount, a planned move due to his recent recovery from a 17-day hamstring injury. Caretaker boss Fletcher confirmed the change was always the intention, stating he had to respect the medical team's plan for the returning captain.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the passions that run high in Premier League football, with Fernandes' actions highlighting the leadership and protective spirit he brings to the United armband, even against familiar faces.
