Bruno Fernandes Claims He Has NEVER Been Disrespectful And Says On-pitch Gestures Are Misunderstood After Gary Neville's criticism Over His Antics - But Admits 'Sometimes I Go Over The Line'

 Bruno Fernandes has hit out at criticism of his on-pitch antics, insisting it has always been part of his game and reflects his competitive nature.

There has been much condemnation of the Portugal international in his role as Manchester United's on-field captain  in recent times, which has consisted of him frantically waving his arms at team-mates and requesting to be substituted.

Such actions seen recently in a humiliating 7-0 defeat at rivals Liverpool also saw him request to be substituted, leading to former United star Gary Neville brandishing him a 'disgrace'.

In the same game at Anfield he also came under fire for nudging an assistant referee, amid a time when relations between players and officials have been fragile following Aleksandar Mitrovic's push on a referee and Andy Robertson being lightly elbowed by a linesman.

But the 28-year-old insists he does not go out with intention to be disrespectful to opponents nor officials.

'Sometimes I go over the line,' he told Sky Sports. I know that. It can happen in the game and it is difficult to control emotions.

'But I never try to be disrespectful with anyone. We are all competitive and we all want to win. The way I play and feel the game, the passion I feel for it, is how I feel better and how I give the most for my team and to my club. That's why I play in that way.

'I've also been like that since I was seven years old, I don't want to lose my game - I am really competitive and want to give to push and give the best of myself. And I demand the others to give the best of themselves.

'If I see someone on the pitch and I'm trying to say something to them, it's because I believe they can do better. Sometimes I can even be giving credit to them but in the television you can't see that.

'You see the waving of the arms, but that doesn't mean that you're moaning at someone. It's sometimes the way you can express yourself on the pitch. With 75,000 at Old Trafford, it's difficult to feel or listen to other people so you have to make gestures with your hands.'

Boss Erik ten Hag has stood by Fernandes amid the negative reaction towards him over the last month, with another former United star in Patrice Evra also taking exception to his on-field antics.

There were calls for him to be stripped of his captaincy role but

However, the manager threw his support by the Portugal star last month, saying: 'He's playing a brilliant season. He's had a really important role in why we're in the position we are.

'He's giving energy to the team, not only running a lot at the highest intensity but in the right way and right direction. He's coaching players, he's an inspiration.  

       The Portugal international insists it is part of his competitive nature and that he means no harm

       But he has since been heavily backed by club manager Erik ten Hag who has praised his effort

'But no-one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes. We have to learn and he has to learn. He will because he's intelligent. I'm happy to have Bruno Fernandes in the team and he will be captain when Harry isn't on the pitch.'

Fernandes has enjoyed a strong season overall for United, scoring 10 goals and producing 13 assists across all competitions in 48 games, including setting up a goal midweek in United's 2-2 draw with Sevilla where Ten Hag's side threw away a 2-0 lead late on in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final.

United are back in Premier League action on Sunday looking for three wins on the bounce when they visit Nottingham Forest following recent Old Trafford triumphs over Brentford and Everton.

They will though be without either of their first choice centre-backs in Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane who are set to be ruled out for the rest of the season