Fans spotted Bruno Fernandes' furious reaction to substitution in Champions League exit

Bruno Fernandes was left raging after he was hauled off during Manchester United's 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid - a result that saw them dumped out of the Champions League

Posted Wednesday, March 16, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

Bruno Fernandes' furious reaction to being hauled off on Tuesday night was picked up on by fans as Manchester United were dumped out of the Champions League.

Atletico Madrid stood firm to run out 1-0 winners against United on a miserable night at Old Trafford. Renan Lodi bagged the all-important goal to send Diego Simeone's side into the quarter-finals and condemn United to a fifth successive season without silverware.

It was a frustrating night for United - but also for Fernandes in particular. The Portuguese midfielder was hauled off by Ralf Rangnick in the 67th minute of the crunch clash with United trailing and needing a goal to remain in Europe.

The fact that Fernandes was sacrificed at such a crucial stage highlights just how drastically the 27-year-old has fallen from grace at Old Trafford over the past couple of years. And he was visibly agitated after being replaced by Edinson Cavani in the second half.

Fans flocked to social media to digest Fernandes' angry antics - with some poking fun at United's former talisman. One user tweeted: "Imagine being Fernandes getting subbed and walking past Fred whose still on the park.".

Another reacted by posting: "Fernandes deserves to be subbed after a poor performance but effects of Covid may be more the reason. Shows Ralf has the balls to bring him off.".

Bruno Fernandes was hauled off as Manchester United were dumped out of the Champions League

Others were less sympathetic though and made light of Fernandes' agitated reactions on the pitch. One fan stuck the boot in, tweeting: "Upset on the pitch, on the floor and on the bench now.".

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand was adamant that the club's early elimination from the Champions League effectively kills their season. Rangnick's men are still in the race for a top-four finish - but they're a point behind Arsenal and have played three games more than the Gunners.

"That's season over," Ferdinand bluntly told BT Sport. "What is there really to achieve? Floundering behind Arsenal if they win their games in hand. Tonight was a reflection of what the season has been like. There were moments in the game where United looked good, but far too often, it's a Jekyll and Hyde performance."