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Details of a classy gesture by Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes towards club staff have emerged, further highlighting his leadership credentials.
Despite United having a tumultuous 2023/24 season, Fernandes still put up very impressive numbers.
The playmaker registered 15 goals and 13 assists in the 48 appearances he made for United across all competitions.
He played a key role as the Red Devils beat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley. On that occasion, Fernandes produced a world-class no-look assist for Kobbie Mainoo’s winning strike.
Weeks before the FA Cup final, it emerged that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS removed perks for staff who were heading down to Wembley.
United had a tradition thought to date as far back as the days of Sir Matt Busby, in which club staff were allocated free tickets plus travel to and from the national stadium, a pre-match lunch, an after-match party and accommodation in the capital.
Senior employees were also given the opportunity to take friends and family.
However, as part of cost-cutting measures implemented by United’s new minority owners in an effort to comply with PSR rules, employees were informed in an email that they would only receive one ticket. They were also told that they would have to pay £20 for a coach to Wembley. All other benefits were also axed.
Unsurprisingly, it was stated that United staff were left disgruntled by the move, with The Sun describing it as a “blow to morale” within the ranks.
A section of employees were mentioned to have been supportive of INEOS’ course of action.
It has now emerged (via football finance expert Kieran Maguire on X), that United skipper Fernandes was “absolutely horrified” with the decision to the extent of offering to pay for the staff trip out of his own pocket.
It’s understood that the Portugal international was so keen on the loyal backroom staff, tea ladies, kitmen, stewards and others to make it to the final that he approached United and expressed a willingness to cater for all costs.
His offer was apparently “rebuffed” by United, who didn’t want Fernandes’ offer to “make them look bad.”
Fair play to Bruno Fernandes for offering to pay for staff trip to Wembley when Manchester United played in the FA Cup final 🫡👏⚽️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/gZCzGNgg1w
— Kieran Maguire (@KieranMaguire) July 18, 2024
If true, it would be another cap in the feather for Fernandes, who is widely popular among the United fans.
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