Bruno Fernandes’ X account was hacked just hours after Manchester United’s crushing FA Cup exit to Brighton as the culprit began posting controversial and offensive messages
Manchester United were forced to issue a statement after captain Bruno Fernandes’ account on X was hacked and posted a series of controversial and offensive messages.
The Portuguese midfielder lost control of his profile just hours after the Red Devils’ disappointing FA Cup defeat to Brighton, which ended their hopes of winning any silverware this season. The 31-year-old, who played the entire match in United’s 2-1 loss at Old Trafford, had his day go from bad to worse when his X account, followed by a whopping 4.5 million fans, was then hijacked.
The first of several peculiar posts read: “Join Macclesfield FC. Excited for the future.” This comes on the heels of Macclesfield, a sixth-tier club, stunningly knocking Crystal Palace out of the cup on Saturday. Fernandes’ account then posted: “Let’s get rid of INEOS,” referring to United’s controversial co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his company.
Fans voiced their displeasure against Ratcliffe both during and after Sunday’s defeat, reports the Mirror, as their early cup exit became the latest in a long line of disappointments during the billionaire’s two years overseeing football matters at Old Trafford.
Fernandes’ X account also shared a series of explicit posts, including derogatory comments about female footballer Alisha Lehmann, social media sensation KSI, and a message to adult star Bonnie Blue, who was asked whether she wanted to “collab”.
United swiftly intervened, issuing a statement just after 11.30pm. “Bruno Fernandes’s X account has been hacked,” the club announced on X. “Supporters should not engage with any of the posts or direct messages.”
However, Fernandes’ account remained under the hacker’s control. “Make sure you guys stay alert for any hacks,” it responded to United’s post. The hacker also wrote: “f*** no way, i’ll spread the word,”.
Other posts included a challenge to Luke Littler: “1v1 fifa @LukeTheNuke180 [Luke Littler],” and a controversial statement about Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua: “jake paul beat AJ [Anthony Joshua] but you aren’t ready for that conversation.”
Even the England cricket team wasn’t spared, with a post mocking their 4-1 Ashes defeat to Australia: “joining @englandcricket as they need all help they can get.”
All of Fernandes’ posts have since been removed. However, as of 6am on Monday, two reposts remain.
What can’t be erased is United’s cup exit. Just like in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, Fernandes and his colleagues have stumbled at the first step.
This means the Red Devils will only play 40 matches this season, the lowest number since their 1914-15 campaign was disrupted by World War I.
Interim manager Darren Fletcher has urged United’s players not to let the season slip away. “They have to dig in, show they want to be part of Manchester United’s future, learn from this,” Fletcher said during his post-match press conference.
“And ultimately, if you’re not, then I don’t think you should be here or will be here. Sounds strong, but that’s just the reality and the way it should be.”